This project researched two families of tertiary ethers for the possibility of replacing the presently used gasoline oxygenate, MTBE. Tertiary butyl and amyl ethers were synthesized and analyzed experimentally for desirable physical properties, such as high boiling points, low saturation solubility, high soil absorption and effective chemical degradability. Additionally, all were analyzed theoretically for thermodynamic properties and volatility. Results suggest that propyl tert-butyl ether possessed the necessary properties to be a suitable replacement for MTBE.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Scanlan, Michael Barry
• Godleski, Christine Ann
• Wheeler, Julie Ann

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 01D279M

Advisor

• Datta, Ravindra
• Camesano, Terri Anne

Year

• 2001

Date created

• 2001-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright