Process for preparing branched chain hydrocarbons from methanol and/or dimethyl ether

摘要

A process for the production of branched chain hydrocarbons from methanol and/or dimethyl ether is disclosed, which process comprises contacting, in a reactor, methanol and/or dimethyl ether with a catalyst comprising indium halide. Particularly disclosed is a continuous or semi-continuous process for the production of branched chain hydrocarbons from methanol and/or dimethyl ether which comprises contacting, in a liquid phase reaction composition in a reactor, methanol and/or dimethyl ether with a catalyst comprising indium halide, and at a temperature of at least 100 Deg. C, to produce a product mixture comprising (i) methanol and/or dimethyl ether and (ii) a hydrocarbon reaction product comprising branched chain hydrocarbons, and in which process the catalyst is maintained in the reactor in an active form and in an effective concentration.