LAYERED GROUP(IV) METAL PHOSPHATES AS CATALYSTS FOR MTBE SYNTHESIS

Layered group(IV) metal phosphates and their phenylsulfonic acid derivatives were used as catalysts for the synthesis of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) from methanol and isobutene. Because zirconium and titanium phosphates have only moderate acidic strength, relatively high temperatures are required to activate their Bronsted acidic sites. The optimal activity was obtained at ca. 443 K. Their phenylsulfonic acid derivatives, however, demonstrated higher acidic strength by giving much higher activity toward MTBE formation at relatively low temperatures. The catalysts were characterized in terms of their structure, thermal stability, surface area and acidic strength.