It is used in the petroleum and aviation industries as a blending component in high-performance fuels particularly in aviation gasoline. It has historically been used as a reference compound in studies of octane ratings and combustion characteristics. In addition it is used in laboratory research to study hydrocarbon properties fuel chemistry and isomerization processes.

It has a high-octane fuel component. Due to its highly branched structure it resists knocking during combustion in internal combustion engines making it valuable for improving fuel efficiency and engine performance.

Its structure consists of a butane backbone with three methyl groups attached at the 2nd 2nd and 3rd carbon atoms. This high degree of branching makes it a compact stable and nonpolar molecule. It is a colorless volatile liquid that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.