Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a polyphenylene ether by subjecting a 2,6-disubstituted phenol to oxidative coupling by introducing oxygen in the presence of a catalyst system which comprises a manganese compound, a chelant, a base, and an alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone, a beta-diketone, or a vinyl ether. The polyphenylene oxide produced has substantially no amine odor and more stable molecular weight, and is suitable for blending with styrenic or other resins to make thermoplastic resin blends of low odor and good physical properties.