Advances in synthetic catalysts for ethyl tert-butyl ether

The research status on the synthetic catalysts of ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) at home and overseas is reviewed, and the reaction mechanisms for producing ETBE on the surfaces of different catalysts are analyzed. Catalytic activity, selectivity and stability of cation exchange resin, molecular sieve, solid super acids and heteropolyacids are compared. Preparation technologies for catalyst packing for synthesis of ETBE by catalytic distillation are discussed. It is point out that the thermo- stability and selectivity for cation exchange resin catalysts should be improved by adding the acceptor electronic groups such as halogen, nitro-group, acetyl and metal ion; the catalytic activity can be increased for molecular sieve catalysts by adjusting acidity using the ion exchange method; the fundamental research on solid super acids and heteropolyacids also should be strengthened to establish the base for the industrial production of ETBE.