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| Identity |
| 3D Structure |
| Physicochemical data |
| Environmental fate |
| Mammal toxicology |
| Ecotoxicology |
| Metabolism |
| Safety classifications |
| Evaluation |
tert-Butyl methyl ether [1634-04-4] |
| The first step of metabolism of tert-butyl methyl ether (1) in mammals involves cleavage of the ether by cytochrome P450 to formaldehyde (2) and tert-butanol (3). Further degradation of formaldehyde (2) see on metabolism page of formaldehyde. Further degradation of tert-butanol (3) see on metabolism page of tert-butanol. Additionally, one of the methyl groups may be hydroxylated by cytochrome P450 to 2-methoxy-2-methyl-1-propanol (4). This metabolite may be cleaved at the ether linkage to give 2-methyl-1,2-propanediol (5). Another pathway with participation of alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase would lead to 2-methoxyisobutyric acid (6), which shows structural similarity to the known reproductive toxine methoxyacetic acid. This metabolite may be responsible for the reproductive toxicity of tert-butyl methyl ether (1) at high doses. |
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