BACKGROUND: A study of the effect of different ion exchange resins, Amberlyst 15, Amberlite 200 and Amberlite IRC-50, on glycerol etherificationwith tert-butyl alcohol was performed. The best catalystwas selected based on the activity and selectivity values. The capability of reusing this catalyst after different pre-treatments was analysed. A kinetic model was developed including the effect of catalyst concentration and temperature. RESULTS: Amberlyst 15 led to the highest glycerol conversion, the highest product yield, and it could be reused following proper pre-treatment with methanol. The effect of catalyst concentration was evaluated and included in a previous kinetic model. Simulated results were found to be suitably fitted to the experimental ones. CONCLUSIONS: The high activity value of Amberlyst 15 is related to its high acidity and better textural properties. Reuse of this catalyst was possible with an appropriate previous treatment. A kinetic model was validated including the effect of catalyst concentration and temperature on reactants conversion and products distribution. (C) 2013 Society of Chemical Industry