Continuous Synthesis of Oxymethylene Ether Fuels from Dimethyl Ether in a Heterogeneously Catalyzed Liquid Phase Process

Abstract Oxymethylene ethers (OME) are an attractive alternative to fossil diesel fuel due strongly reduced harmful emissions. An anhydrous, liquid phase production process based on dimethyl ether (DME) has been elaborated, which offers high selectivity and economic advantages. A catalyst screening for the reaction of DME with trioxane carried out. Highly active catalysts could be identified further insight into relationship between properties catalytic performance gained. Furthermore, in a continuous realized, disclosing influence kinetics OME formation enabling better understanding mechanism.