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Links to General Information on MTBE
MTBE (Methyl tert Butyl Ether) has been used in U.S. gasoline since 1979 to replace lead as an octane enhancer (which helps prevent engines from "knocking"). Since 1992, MTBE has been used at higher concentrations in some gasoline to fulfill the oxygenate requirements set by Congress in the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments.
Oxygen helps gasoline burn more completely, reducing harmful tailpipe emissions from motor vehicles in two ways: First, the oxygen dilutes or displaces gasoline components such as aromatics (e.g., benzene) and sulfur. Second, oxygen optimizes the oxidation during combustion. Most refiners have chosen to use MTBE over other oxygenates primarily for its blending characteristics and for economic reasons.
MTBE / Oxygenates Use In Gasoline
- Origin of Fuel Oxygenate Program
- An Overview of
the Use of Oxygenates in Gasoline, California Air Resources Board
(34pp, 100K, About PDF) - EPA Fuels Program
MTBE / Oxygenate Chemical Properties Information
- Chemical Properties Table
- Oxygenate Identification
- MTBE Chemical Fact Sheet
MTBE / Oxygenates Health, Safety, and Drinking Water Standards
- EPA's MTBE Drinking Water Advisory
- California Public
Health Goal for MTBE (136pp, 469K, About PDF)
- MTBE
in California's Drinking Water
- Health Risk Perspectives on Fuel Oxygenates
- National Library of Medical Databases
(Searchable Databases)
MTBE / Oxygenates Cleanup Technologies
Federal Web site with General MTBE Information
- EPA MTBE Information Page
- USGS MTBE Information
- EPA Blue Ribbon Panel for Reviewing the Use of MTBE and Other Oxygenates in Gasoline Home Page
- Energy Information
Administration MTBE Information
State Web sites with General MTBE Information
- California Environmental
Protection Agency MTBE Information Page
- California Energy
Commission MTBE Information
MTBE Information Published on the Web by Water Industry Groups
- American Water Works Association MTBE Information
- Association of California Water Agencies MTBE Information