Synthesis of methyl tert-butyl ether from tert-butyl alcohol and methanol using beta zeolite catalysts

MTBE synthesis from tert-butyl alcohol (t-BA) and methanol has been studied using beta zeolites. Increasing the reaction temperature results in an inc rease of t-BA conversion with concomittant decrease of MTBE selectivity. Th e t-BA conversion decreases with increasing calcination temperature and alk ali metal ion exchange of H beta zeolite, The catalytic results are correla ted with the surface area and the acidity of catalysts.