2,2,3-TRIMETHYLBUTANE

Description

2,2,3-Trimethylbutane (i.e., triptane) is a potential gasoline octane booster with a research octane number (RON) of 112. it is also used as a fuel additive and in comparative rate of thermal decomposition (CRTD) single-pulse surge tube studies^[1-2].

Chemical properties

Colorless liquid. Soluble in alcohol; insoluble in water.

The Uses of 2,2,3-TRIMETHYLBUTANE

Organic synthesis, aviation fuel.

Preparation

2,2,3-Trimethylbutane (triptane) selectively forms from dimethyl ether at low temperatures on acid zeolites^[3].
We report herein the first selective catalytic conversion of DME to triptane on halide-free catalysts, specifically on crystalline solid acids, at much lower reaction temperatures (453–493 K) and higher DME pressures (60–250 kPa) than in established methanol/DME to hydrocarbon processes. Low temperatures avoid intervening skeletal isomerization and b-scission of triptyl chains or their precursors. These processes would otherwise occur before the methylation events that form the C7 chains containing the triptane backbone, which desorb irreversibly as triptane.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Tetrahedron Letters, 21, p. 3151, 1980 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4039(00)77432-6

Hazard

Flammable, moderate fire risk.

References

[1] NOUR ATEF. Chemical kinetic study of triptane (2,2,3-trimethylbutane) as an anti-knock additive[J]. Combustion and Flame, 2019. DOI:10.1016/j.combustflame.2019.09.006.
[2] TSANG W. Comparative rate single-pulse shock tube studies on the thermal decomposition of cyclohexene, 2,2,3-trimethylbutane, isopropyl bromide, and ethylcyclobutane[J]. International Journal of Chemical Kinetics, 1970. DOI:10.1002/kin.550020406.
[3] JOHN?H. AHN; Enrique I Prof; Burcin Temel Dr. Selective Homologation Routes to 2,2,3-Trimethylbutane on Solid Acids?[J]. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2009. DOI:10.1002/anie.200900541.