Equilibrium conversion, selectivity, and kinetics of the liquid-phase synthesis of isopropyl tert-butyl ether (IPTBE) from 2-propanol and isobutene were studied experimentally over a commercial ion-exchange resin in the temperature range 303-353 K at 1.6 MPa. The isobutene equilibrium conversion hardly changes upon varying the initial molar ratio of 2-propanol to isobutene. The IPTBE yield is very high and is independent of temperature for an initial molar ratio for 2-propanol to isobutene greater than 2. The best kinetic model stems from a mechanism in which 2-propanol, adsorbed on one center, reacts either with isobutene adsorbed on one adjacent center or with isobutene from solution to give the ether adsorbed on one center. The surface reaction is the rate-limiting step, in which three centers take part. An apparent activation energy of 75.5 kJ.mol(-1) was obtained.