Question #a9349

1 Answer
Jul 6, 2017

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!).