MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) has been used as an additive in gasoline. The compound is produced by reacting methanol and isobutene, according to the following equation:

If 45.0 kg of methanol is allowed to react with 70.0 kg of isobutene, what is the maximum mass of MTBE that can be obtained?

Strategy We are given amounts of two different reactants (methanol and isobutene). So we should realize this is a potential limiting reactant situation. We can identify the limiting reactant as in the previous examples: Choose one reactant and find the amount of the other that would be needed to react with it. Comparing that result with the given amount, we can determine which of the reactants is limiting. Once we have done that, it will be straightforward to calculate the expected amount of product.

Transcribed Image Text:

CH3OH + (CH3)₂C=CH₂ → (CH3)3COCH, Methanol Isobutene MTBE