Characterization and catalytic properties of the galliumphosphate molecular sieve cloverite

Modification of the galliumphosphate cloverite by various heteroelements has been carried out. In the case of Ti-cloverite at least partial incorporation of titanium into the galliumphosphate lattice could be shown. Catalytic properties of both the pure and the Ti- and Si-modified cloverite catalysts show remarkable activity and selectivity in the etherification of isobutene by methanol and ethanol producing MTBE and ETBE, respectively. Modification with titanium influences the catalytic properties in a negative way whereas Si-modification shows nearly no effect. The nature of acid centers is discussed.