Synthesis of olefins from dimethyl ether in a synthesis gas atmosphere

The synthesis of olefins from dimethyl ether (DME) on a hydrothermally treated Mg-HZSM-5/Al2O3 catalyst in artificial synthesis gas atmospheres was studied. The study was carried out on a micropilot unit in a flow mode at 0.1 MPa and 320 °C. The use of synthesis gas with different hydrogen concentration as a diluent did not decrease selectivity for the formation of C2–C4 olefins. The formation of alkanes occurred only in H-transfer reactions without the participation of molecular hydrogen. [Display omitted] •Mg-HZSM-5/Al2O3 is effective catalytic system of DME conversion to olefins.•The atmosphere gas composition does not affect the routes of the products formation.•The alkanes formation occurs without the participation of molecular hydrogen.