Selective Synthesis of Dimethyl Ether From Synthesis Gas

Dimethyl ether was produced selectively from synthesis gas with hybrid catalysts composed of methanol synthesis catalysts and γ-alumina. It was estimated that methanol, the primary product, was immediately converted in situ to dimethyl ether and water on the γ-alumina and that the water reacted with CO to form CO2 and H2 on the methanol synthesis catalyst.