Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) synthesis is nowadays carried out using resin catalysts. An alternative zeolitic catalyst is presented in this study. This catalyst presents better mechanical and thermal strength, as well as slightly better performance. It is capable of enduring temperatures that would deactivate resin catalyst. The microkinetic study presented below indicates the importance of temperature and molar feed ratio depending on the catalyst used. Activation energy was found to be 15.7kcal/gmol. Reaction mechanism suggested involved adsorption of isobutylene on two active sites and methanol on one active site. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.