title: Selective homogeneous synthesis of dimethyl ether from methanol.
abstract: Selected Brønsted acidic ionic liquids were tested as homogeneous catalysts for the dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether. Ionic liquids incorporating an alkanesulfonic acid as a part of the cation, a complex acidic anion, [A(2)H](-), or both, proved to be good catalysts for this process, providing high conversions and selectivities. Homogeneous catalysis in the liquid state represents a novel approach to dimethyl ether synthesis.
authors.affiliation: PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd, Lot 3288&3289, Off Jalan Ayer Itam, Kawasan Institusi Bangi, 43000, Kajang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Martin P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Atkins
authors.forename: Martyn J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Earle
authors.forename: Kenneth R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Seddon
authors.forename: Małgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Swadźba-Kwaśny
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vanoye
mesh_terms: D002384:Catalysis; D052578:Ionic Liquids / Q000737:chemistry; D000432:Methanol / Q000737:chemistry*; D008738:Methyl Ethers / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D052578:Ionic Liquids; D008738:Methyl Ethers; C033413:dimethyl ether; D000432:Methanol