| abstract |
A method for the preparation of methyl tertiary butyl ether is provided wherein a mixture of methanol and substantially peroxides-free tertiary butyl alcohol are catalytically reacted to form a reaction product that is separated into a first lighter distillation fraction comprising isobutylene, methanol and methyl tertiary butyl ether and a second heavier distillation fraction comprising methanol, tertiary butyl alcohol and water, wherein the first distillation fraction and a first recycle isobutylene fraction are reacted to form an isobutylene conversion product that is charged, together with recycle isobutylene to a methanol extraction zone and countercurrently contacted with water to provide an overhead extract comprising aqueous isobutylene, and wherein the isobutylene is recovered and recycled. |