Catalytic decomposition of peroxide impurities in a methyl tertiary butyl ether recycle stream

摘要

Peroxides such as di-tert-butyl peroxide, present in a methyl-tert-butyl ether recycle stream, may be removed by bringing the recycle stream into contact with an acid treated clay. The peroxides are decomposed to tert-butyl alcohol (main product) plus minor amounts of acetone and methanol. Since the recycle stream consists mainly of tert-butyl alcohol and methanol, methyl-tert-butyl ether is also formed in significant quantities. Isobutylene is also formed by dehydration of the tert-butyl alcohol.