PDF files are identified with a symbol. PDF files require the Adobe Acrobat Reader for reading or printing. To download the Reader for free, click on this icon . At room temperature, MTBE is a volatile, flammable and colorless liquid that dissolves rather easily in water. 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 another, 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. Refiners may choose to use other oxygenates, such as ethanol. Ethanol is the primary oxygenate used in this program. Refiners have chosen MTBE as the main oxygenate in RFG in cities outside of the Midwest primarily for economic reasons and its blending characteristics.