One-step synthesis of methyl t-butyl ether from t-butanol using pentasil zeolite catalysts

摘要

Disclosed is a process for preparing alkyl tertiary alkyl ethers in one step which comprises reacting tert-butanol and a C1-C4 primary alcohol in the presence of a catalyst consisting essentially of a pentasil zeolite having a silica/alumina ratio of 50-150, optionally with a binder at a temperature of about 80 DEG to 200 DEG C. and atmospheric pressure to about 1000 psig, wherein when the temperature is in the operating range above 140 DEG C., the product comprises a two-phase mix of a MTBE or ETBE and isobutylene product-rich phase and a heavier aqueous primary alcohol-rich phase.