Synthesis of methyl tert-butyl ether under microwave irradiation

Methyl tert-butyl ether was synthesized from methanol and tert-butyl alcohol under the microwave irradiation. Effects of microwave irradiation power,iradiation temperature,iradiation time,and catalyst on reaction were studied. The optimal synthesis conditions were obtained as follows:microwave irradiation power 200 W,radiation temprature 75 ℃,radiation time 24 min,15% sulfuric acid as catalyst. The yield of methyl tert-butyl ether can reach 60%. The product is characterized and verified by various methods including FI-IR,Raman spectrum,NMR and MS,which confirm the structure of objective molecule. This method shows the characteristics of simple reaction process,short reaction time,and high product yield.