mtg process is particularly useful in the catalytic conversion of methanol and its corresponding ether to normally liquid hydrocarbons in the c 5 c 10 range for convenience the process will be described below with reference to such a specific methanol dme conversion process although it should be remembered that the principles are applicable to a broader range of conversions when methanol is used as the starting material for the process it is preferred to subject it to an initial dehydration step to form an intermediate product comprising dimethyl ether dme the dme is then passed to the hydrocarbon step with either complete partial or no separation of the unreacted methanol and the water produced as a by product of the dehydration however it is not essential to carry out this dehydration even through it is preferred referring to fig1 of the drawing crude methanol meoh feedstock is introduced via conduit 10 to a top inlet of extraction unit 12 where it is contacted under liquid extraction conditions with a countercurrent stream of hydrocarbon liquid extractant introduced at a bottom inlet via conduit 14 an aqueous raffinate phase containing a major amount of the water present in the crude feedstock is withdrawn via conduit 16 the lighter organic extract phase containing hydrocarbon extraction solvent and a significant amount of feedstock methanol is recovered from extraction unit 12 via conduit 18 pressurized by pump means 20 passed through heat exchanger 22 furnace 24 and introduced at elevated temperature and process conditions suitable for conversion of substantially all of the methanol in contact with the mtg catalyst in reactor system 30 the crude feedstock mixture of methanol.