Question

MTBE, Methyl tert-butyl ether, CH3OC(CH3)3, is used as an oxygen source in oxygenated gasolines. MTBE is manufactured by reacting 2-methylpropene with methanol.

a) CH₃CH=C(CH₃)₂ (2-Methylpropene)
b) CH₃OH (Methanol)
c) CH₃OC(CH₃)₃ (Methyl tert-butyl ether, MTBE)
d) CH₃CH₂OH (Ethanol)

Answer 1

MTBE is produced by the reaction of 2-methylpropene with methanol and is used in gasoline to increase oxygen content and improve combustion. However, it has been phased out in some places due to environmental concerns. Calculating the volume of methanol needed for MTBE production requires knowledge of density and stoichiometric relationships.

Step-by-step explanation:

The chemical reaction to produce Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), which is used as an oxygen source in oxygenated gasolines, involves reacting 2-methylpropene with methanol. MTBE is part of a group known as oxygenates and is used to enhance the octane rating and improve the combustion efficiency of gasoline.

Although it helps in making engines run more cleanly, MTBE has been phased out in some areas due to its potential to contaminate drinking water.

To determine the volume of methanol required to produce 1000 kg of MTBE with a 100% yield, you first need the density of methanol, which is given as 0.7915 g/mL.

Using the molar masses of methanol and MTBE, and the stoichiometry of the balanced chemical reaction, the necessary calculations would provide the required volume.