Question

Question #a9349

Answer 1

Normally referred to as MTBE (methyl t-butyl ether)......raw materials would be methanol and isobutylene.

Explanation:

If you're only allowed to start with alcohols or alkanes, suggest this route. Start with t-butyl alcohol, dehydration reaction (E1 elimination) to form isobutylene.

`CH_3-C(CH_2)_2-OH -> CH_2=C(CH_3)_2`

React the isobutylene with methanol

`CH_3-OH + CH_2=C(CH_3)_2-> CH_3-O-C(CH_3)_3`
Sulphonic acid resin catalyst, heat in distillation column.

(Can't see why anyone would want to start with alkanes!).