Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing alkyl tertiary alkyl ethers in one step which comprises reacting tert-butanol and a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 primary alcohol in the presence of a catalyst consisting essentially of a pentasil zeolite having a silica/alumina ratio of 50-150, optionally with a binder at a temperature of about 80.degree. to 200.degree. C. and atmospheric pressure to about 1000 psig, wherein when the temperature is in the operating range above 140.degree. C., the product comprises a two-phase mix of a MTBE or ETBE and isobutylene product-rich phase and a heavier aqueous primary alcohol-rich phase.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing alkyl tertiary alkyl ethers which comprises reacting t-butanol with an alkanol in the presence of a catalyst which exhibits extended life comprising .beta.-zeolite modified with one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Group IA and Group IIIB of the Periodic Table and continuously contacting said alkanol and t-butanol in a molar amount from about 10:1 to 1:10 over said zeolite catalyst at a temperature of about 20.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C. and a pressure of about atmospheric to about 1000 psig.