A process for producing alkyl ethers, by etherification of tertiary
C.sub.4-7 olefins with an alkanol, comprising carrying out the
etherification in reactor train system primarily configured for
dimerization of isoolefins. In the etherification, the ratio of
alkanol-to-olefin is 0.5 to 2, calculated from the amount of tertiary
C.sub.4-7 olefins of the fresh feedstock. The invention makes it possible
to change the product of the process from dimer to ether and vice versa
merely by adjusting specific flows within the process. The present kind
of process is therefore readily adaptable to fluctuating market demands
for various gasoline octane-boosters (isooctane or MTBE).