In the realm of organic chemistry, 2-methoxy-2-methylpropane, also known by its common name tert-butyl methyl ether (TBME), is a versatile and widely used compound. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of 2-methoxy-2-methylpropane, exploring its molecular structure, physical properties, chemical properties, and diverse applications across various industries.
Molecular Structure:
2-Metossi-2-metilpropano consists of a central carbon atom bonded to three methyl groups and one methoxy group (-Och3). The molecular formula for this compound is C5H12O, and its structure can be represented as follows:Copy
CH3 CH3
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H – C – O – C – H
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CH3 CH3
Physical Properties:
- Aspetto: Colorless liquid at room temperature
- Odore: Mild, ethereal odor
- Molecular Weight: 88.15 g/mol
- Punto di fusione: -108.6 °C (-167.5 °F)
- Punto di ebollizione: 55.2 °C (131.4 °F)
- Densità: 0.74 g/ml at 25 °C (77 °F)
- Vapor Pressure: 100 mmHg a 20 °C (68 °F)
- Solubilità: Miscibile con acqua, alcol, and most organic solvents
Chemical Properties:
- Ether Functional Group: The presence of the ether functional group (-O-) in 2-methoxy-2-methylpropane makes it a relatively stable compound.
- Reattività: TBME is generally unreactive under normal conditions but can undergo certain reactions such as oxidation, hydrolysis, and acid-catalyzed cleavage.
- Infiammabilità: 2-Methoxy-2-methylpropane is highly flammable and has a low flash point, making it a potential fire hazard.
Applicazioni:
- Additivo al carburante:
- TBME is primarily used as an oxygenate in gasoline, helping to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
- Solvente:
- Due to its excellent solvency properties, 2-methoxy-2-methylpropane is widely used as a solvent in various industries, including paints, rivestimenti, e adesivi.
- Intermedio chimico:
- TBME serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of other organic compounds, such as isobutylene and methacrylic acid.
- Pharmaceutical Excipient:
- Nell'industria farmaceutica, TBME is employed as a solvent and penetration enhancer in certain drug formulations.
- Aerosol Propellant:
- 2-Methoxy-2-methylpropane is used as a propellant in aerosol products, such as hairsprays and insecticides.
Comparative Analysis Of 1-Methoxy-2-Methylpropane and 2-Methoxy-2-Methylpropane
Physical Properties:
| Property | 1-Metossi-2-metilpropano (IBME) | 2-Metossi-2-metilpropano (TBME) |
| Aspetto | Liquido incolore | Liquido incolore |
| Odore | Mild, ethereal odor | Mild, ethereal odor |
| Molecular Weight | 88.15 g/mol | 88.15 g/mol |
| Punto di fusione | -117.2 °C (-179.0 °F) | -108.6 °C (-167.5 °F) |
| Punto di ebollizione | 52.3 °C (126.1 °F) | 55.2 °C (131.4 °F) |
| Densità | 0.73 g/ml at 25 °C (77 °F) | 0.74 g/ml at 25 °C (77 °F) |
| Vapor Pressure | 160 mmHg a 20 °C (68 °F) | 100 mmHg a 20 °C (68 °F) |
| Solubilità | Miscibile con acqua, alcol, and most organic solvents | Miscibile con acqua, alcol, and most organic solvents |
Chemical Properties:
- Reattività: Both IBME and TBME are relatively unreactive under normal conditions but can undergo certain reactions such as oxidation, hydrolysis, and acid-catalyzed cleavage.
- Ether Functional Group: The presence of the ether functional group (-O-) in both compounds makes them relatively stable.
Applicazioni:
- Fuel Additives:
- IBME and TBME are both used as oxygenates in gasoline, helping to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
- Solventi:
- IBME and TBME are widely used as solvents in various industries, including paints, rivestimenti, e adesivi.
- Intermedi chimici:
Both compounds serve as key intermediates in the synthesis of other organic compounds.
