Comparative study of IPTBE synthesis on HZSM-5 and ion-exchange resin catalysts

The title ether was synthesized using a batch reactor at 70-90 degreesC and 1.6MPa. The ion-exchange resins Amberlyst 15, Amberlyst 35 and Purolite CT 275, and HZSM-5 zeolites with a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio between 28 and 120 were us ed as catalysts. IPTBE synthesis rapidly reaches chemical equilibrium in th e presence of resins with selectivities of 95-97%, diisobutene being the ma in byproduct. HZSM-5 zeolites are less active and selective than resin cata lysts. Resins, especially Amberlyst 35, are suitable catalysts for obtainin g IPTBE industrially. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.