Used primarily as a fuel additive in gasoline to enhance octane ratings and reduce engine knocking. It improves combustion efficiency and lowers emissions of harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons. Also employed as a solvent in organic synthesis due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of compounds without reacting with them. In laboratories, it serves as an extraction solvent for isolating specific substances from mixtures. Additionally, it is utilized in the production of pharmaceuticals and other chemicals as a reaction medium or intermediate. However, due to environmental concerns such as groundwater contamination and potential health risks, the use of MTBE has been restricted or phased out in many countries, with alternatives being adopted.