LIQUID-PHASE ETHERIFICATION DIMERIZATION OF ISOBUTENE OVER SULFONIC-ACID RESINS/

Simultaneous isobutene etherification/dimerization reactions have been studied in the liquid phase using macroporous sulfonic acid resins. I t has been found that, in the presence of methanol, oligomerization to species heavier than dimers may be greatly reduced with respect to da ta reported in the literature for isobutene dimerization. Products of the described synthesis are MTBE and a mixture of branched C-8 hydroca rbons having excellent properties for gasoline blending. These two pro ducts may. be obtained in a wide range of relative ratios. The influen ce of methanol (i.e., methanol/isobutene molar ratio), feedstock type, and reactor design on product composition and byproducts formation is discussed.