IN341271: An improved process for the preparation of phosphorous containing mesoporous alumina calalyst for selective dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether

The invention provide an improved process for the preparation of phosphorous containing mesoporous alumina catalyst for selective dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether. The process provides a single step selective vapour phase dehydration of methanol to produce dimethyl ether over phosphorous containing mesoporous alumina (P/Al203) catalyst at a temperature 250-300 degree Celcius. The process provides methanol conversion of 45-100% with selectivity up to 100%.