Dowex acid catalysts for phenol alkylation, esterification, de-esterification, and the production of MTBE/TAME and Bis phenol A, are now the cleanest in the industry and deliver significant benefits for industrial customers. Building on state-of-the-art washing technology, Dow Chemical Co., of Midland, Mich., developed a procedure that increases catalyst-washing efficiency by approximately 50 percent. The technology enables cleaner catalysts and marked improvements in system efficiency and predictability.