2-Methyl-2-butanol is an isomeric form of pentanol. Various physical properties (static dielectric constant, viscosity, density, ultrasonic and dielectric relaxation) of 2-methyl-2-butanol have been evaluated over a wide range of temperatures. Its ability as solvent in the extraction of furfural from aqueous solutions has been tested. Kinetic parameters of the three-phase reaction of MBY with hydrogen catalyzed by a commercial palladium-based catalyst in the absence of solvent have been described.
2-Methyl-2-butanol has been used as solvent for the dissolution of avertin [2,2,2-tribromoethanol), which was employed as an anesthetic in immunohistochemical study. It has been used in the preparation of acetic acid.
2-Methyl-2-butanol, also known as t-amyl alcohol (TAA) or amylene hydrate, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as tertiary alcohols. Tertiary alcohols are compounds in which a hydroxy group, -OH, is attached to a saturated carbon atom R3COH (R not H). 2-Methyl-2-butanol is a pungent tasting compound. 2-methyl-2-butanol has been detected, but not quantified, in several different foods, such as red bell peppers, pepper (c. annuum), fruits, yellow bell peppers, and orange bell peppers. This could make 2-methyl-2-butanol a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. In 1930's TAA was mainly used as a solvent for tribromoethanol (TBE), forming Avertin at a 0.5:1 volume ratio of TAA to TBE. When ingested, the effects of TAA may begin in about 30 minutes and can last up to 2 days. The oral LD50 in rats is 1 g/kg.
2-Methyl-2-butanol is used as a solvent in flavors, pharmaceuticals, corrosion inhibitors, resins, gums, coating materials and in organic synthesis. It acts as a frothing agent (ore flotation), surfactant (petroleum recovery) and stabilizing agent. Further, it is used in processing aids.

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2-Methyl-2-butanol is used as a solvent in flavors, pharmaceuticals, corrosion inhibitors, resins, gums, coating materials and in organic synthesis. It acts as a frothing agent (ore flotation), surfactant (petroleum recovery) and stabilizing agent. Further, it is used in processing aids.
There has been an increasing trend to use 2-methyl-2-butanol (also known as tert-amyl alcohol), an old, tertiary alcohol product previously used as a sedative/anesthetic agent, as an inexpensive, easily accessible, potent, and nondetectable ethanol substitute.1 Referred to as 2M2B on internet blogs, eg, Reddit and Erowid, it is touted to promote potent intoxicating effects greater than those of ethanol. We describe a patient whose use of 2M2B led to hospital presentation with protracted intoxication and delirium.