If methanol and H2SO4 react:

 

2 MeOH + H₂SO₂ → (Me)₂SO₄ + 2 H₂O

 

but then (Me)₂SO₄ reacts with water:

 

H₂O + (Me)₂SO₄ → H₂SO₄

 

Wouldn't this mean when the H₂SO₄ reacts with the methanol, that the methanol would produce dimethyl sulfate then react with the water and start the cycle again?

Edited November 8, 200817 yr by Aaron_S

IIRC, Dimethyl ether is most likely outcome, Then you could use that after with sulpher trioxide to make your Dimethyl sulphate.

IIRC, Dimethyl ether is most likely outcome, Then you could use that after with sulpher trioxide to make your Dimethyl sulphate.

So you mean it wouldn't produce dimethyl sulfate but dimethyl ether + SO3?