Question #a9349

1 Answer
Simon Moore
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)_2CH3−C(CH2)2−OH→CH2=C(CH3)2

React the isobutylene with methanol

CH_3-OH + CH_2=C(CH_3)_2-> CH_3-O-C(CH_3)_3CH3−OH+CH2=C(CH3)2→CH3−O−C(CH3)3
Sulphonic acid resin catalyst, heat in distillation column.

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

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