Tert-Amyl methyl ether


tert-Amyl methyl ether is an ether used as a fuel oxygenate. TAME derives from C5 distillation fractions of naphtha. It has an ethereous odor. Unlike most ethers, it does not require a stabilizer as it does not form peroxides on storage.

Uses

TAME is mostly used as an oxygenate to gasoline. It is added for three reasons: to increase octane enhancement, to replace banned tetraethyl lead, and to raise the oxygen content in gasoline. It is known that TAME in fuel reduces exhaust emissions of some volatile organic compounds.
TAME is also used as a solvent in organic synthesis as a more environmentally friendly alternative to some of the classic ether solvents. It is characterized by a high boiling point and a low freezing point, allowing a wide range of reaction temperatures. TAME can be used as a safe reaction medium and as an extraction solvent to replace dichloromethane, aromatics, and other ethers.

Toxicity

In an animal toxicology study, inhalation of high concentrations of TAME caused central nervous system depression, leading to death in most cases.