Synthesis of unsymmetrical ethers and branched olefinsfrom alcohols over a novel(HO)3ZrO3SO–CH2CH2–OSO3Zr(OH)3-derived catalyst

A novel disodium 1,2-ethanediol bis(hydrogen sulfate) salt precursor-based solid acid catalyst is demonstrated to have significantly enhanced activity and high selectivity in producing methyl isobutyl ether (MIBE) or isobutene from a methanol–isobutanol mixture.