Registration Dossier
Registration Dossier
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EC number: 216-653-1 | CAS number: 1634-04-4
Endpoint summary
Administrative data
Description of key information
Additional information
MTBE is a colourless mobile liquid with a characteristic terpene-like odor. It has a melting point of - 108.6 ˚C (Scholz et al., 1990) and a boiling point of 55.3 ºC (Scholz et al., 1990). The relative density of MTBE is 0.74 at 20 ˚C (Budavari, 1989). The vapour pressure of MTBE is 33000 Pa at 25 °C (Harlan Laboratories Ltd, 2009). The water solubility of MTBE is 41850 mg/l at 20 ˚C (Oil Products Research, 1997). The octanol/water partition coefficient (log Pow) is 1.06 (Hüls, 1989). The substance is not surface active; the surface tension of 1.07 g/l solution in water is 72.5 mN/m at 21.5 °C (SafePharm Laboratories, 2008). MTBE has a static viscosity of 0.464 mm²/s at 20 °C and 0.409 mm²/s (static) at 40 °C (SafePharm Laboratories, 2008).
The substance has a flash point of -28 °C (Scholz et al., 1990). Based on this value and a boiling point of 55.3 °C, MTBE should be classified as a Flammable Liquid Category 2 (H225) under the criteria of the CLP Regulation. The molecular structure of MTBE does not contain groups that indicate potential reactivity with water or pyrophoric properties. The auto-ignition temperature of MTBE is 460 °C ( Scholz et al., 1990). The substance is not expected to have explosive and oxidising properties.
The substance remains undissociated in water, as it does not contain chemical groups which can undergo dissociation. MTBE is a stable chemical and is not expected to show instability when mixed with typical organic solvents.
In accordance with column 2 of REACH Annex VII, a study on granulometry is not needed as MTBE is a liquid and used in a non solid or granular form.
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