Conversion of methanol to dimethylether over ZSM-5 by drift spectroscopy

Article abstract of DOI:10.1366/0003702914337759

A diffuse reflectance infrared study of the dehydration of methanol to dimethylether over ZSM-5 catalyst is presented. Between 125° and 200°C, dimethylether is formed and a possible stable intermediate in the nucleophilic attack on surface methoxide groups by methanol is observed on the acid form of the zeolite. This species occupies two OH sites in close proximity. In contrast to the deactivated zeolite, the acid form of ZSM-5 shows an increase in the concentration of terminal silanol groups as the temperature is increased above 100°C and a concurrent increase in reflectivity in the region of the lattice overtone and combination modes.