N-Benzylglycinol t-butyl ether

Ethyl t-butyl ether (ETBE) is a motor fuel oxygenate used in reformulated gasoline. Knowledge of developmental and reproductive toxicity potential of ETBE is critical for making informed decisions about acceptance and regulations. This review discusses toxicology studies providing information about effects on reproduction and the conceptus. Seven GLP-compliant studies following widely accepted protocols have focused specifically on developmental and reproductive toxicity (DART) in rats and rabbits exposed to ETBE by gavage with doses up to 1,000 mg/kg body weight/day, the limit specified in standardized test guidelines. Other repeat-dose general toxicology studies have administered ETBE to rodents for up to 180 days, and included reproductive organ weights, histology, or other indications of reproductive system structure or function. DART potential of the main ETBE metabolite t-butyl alcohol and class-related MTBE has also been studied. More GLP-compliant studies exist for evaluating ETBE using well-established, currently recommended protocols than are available for many other chemicals used today. The database for determining ETBE DART potential is adequate, although not all study details are currently easily accessible for peer-review. ETBE does not appear to be selectively toxic to reproduction or embryofetal development in the absence of other manifestations of general toxicity. Studies using recommended methods for sample preservation and analysis have shown no targeted effect on the reproductive system. No embryofetal effects were observed in rabbits. Early postnatal rat pup deaths show no clear dose-response and have largely been attributed to total litter losses with accompanying evidence of maternal neglect or frank maternal morbidity.

Background: Propylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether is used as a solvent in all-purpose cleaners, inks, and nail polish lacquers. We studied the effects of propylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether on male and female rats to identify potential toxic or cancer-related hazards to humans. Methods: We exposed groups of male and female rats and mice to air containing vapors of propylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether at concentrations of 75, 300, or 1,200 parts per million (ppm) for 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for 2 years. Untreated control animals were housed in similar exposure chambers but without chemical exposure for comparison. Tissues from more than 40 sites were examined for every animal. Results: Rats receiving 1,200 ppm propylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether weighed less on average than the control animals. Tumors were seen in the liver and kidney of a few male rats exposed to propylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether. No increases in the numbers of tumors were seen in female rats. In male and female mice there were large increases in the numbers of liver tumors compared with the control animals. Conclusions: We conclude that propylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether caused cancer in the liver of male and female mice. Propylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether did not cause cancer in female rats, and its effect on the liver and kidney of male rats was considered uncertain.

A total of fifteen potential methyl t-butyl ether (MtBE)-degrading bacterial strains were isolated from contaminated soil. They have been identified as belonging to the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Kocuria, Janibacter, Starkeya, Bosea, Mycolicibacterium, and Rhodovarius. Bacillus aryabhattai R1B, S. novella R8b, and M. mucogenicum R8i were able to grow using MtBE as carbon source, exhibiting different growth behavior and contaminant degradation ability. Their biocontrol ability was tested against various fungal pathogens. Both S. novella R8b and B. aryabhattai were effective in reducing the development of necrotic areas on leaves within 48 hours from Botritys cinerea and Alternaria alternata inoculation. Whereas, M. mucogenicum effectively controlled B. cinerea after 72 hours. Similar results were achieved using Pythium ultimum, in which the application of isolated bacteria increased seed germination. Only M. mucogenicum elicited tomato plants resistance against B. cinerea. This is the first report describing the occurrence of bioremediation and biocontrol activities in M. mucogenicum, B. aryabhattai and S. novella species. The production of maculosin and its antibiotic activity against Rhizoctonia solani has been reported for first time from S. novella. Our results highlight the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to achieve a consistent selection of bacterial strains useful for plant protection and bioremediation purposes.