Process for preparing pure methyl tert.-butyl ether

Abstract From the Canadian patent

An improved process for the preparation of pure methyl tert.-butyl ether. Isobutene or isobutene-containing hydrocarbon mixtures are reacted with methanol in a molar ratio of 1:1 to 1:2 in the liquid phase at temperatures of between 30° and 100°C. on sulfonated strongly acidic, macroporous, organic ion exchange resins. After separation of the unreacted hydrocarbons the reaction mixture is distilled under pressure; the methanol-containing distillate formed during the distillation is recycled into the zone of the reaction between methanol and isobutene; and pure methyl tert.-butyl ether is withdrawn from the sump of the distillation column.