Liquid phase synthesis of methyl tert‐butyl ether catalyzed by ion exchange resin

Abstract

Synthesis of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) from methanol and isobutene was studied using macroporous cation exchange resin, Amberlyst 15 in the hydrogen form, as a catalyst in the temperature range of 313‐328 K. The reaction was carried out in a batch reactor at a pressure of one atmosphere in the liquid phase. A high degree of agitation was maintained in order to eliminate film diffusion resistance. The effect of catalyst loading, catalyst particle size and reaction temperature on reaction rate were studied. The reaction rate increased with increase in catalyst concentration and reaction temperature. Resin particle size had virtually no effect on the rate under the experimental conditions.The reaction rate data were analysed using homogeneous kinetics and heterogeneous models based upon Langmuir‐Hinshelwood rate expressions. The apparent activation energies using homogeneous and heterogeneous models were determined and found as 79.0 kJ/mol and 76.7 kJ/mol respectively.