PURPOSE: To obtain an ether useful as solvents, perfumes, synthetic raw materials, synthetic lubricating oils, catalysts, etc., in good yield by dehydrating alcohols using a catalyst containing a heteropoly-acid.

CONSTITUTION: Alcohols are subjected to dehydrating reaction in the presence of a new heteropoly-acid catalyst (e.g. silicotungstic acid) at 50-200°C for 5-24hr to afford an ether. The heteropoly-acid is used in an amount of 0.01-10 times, etc., based on the alcohols. The reaction is carried out by a method using a vessel type reactor; however, either a batch or a continuous type reactor can also be used. The method for dehydration is performed by using separation of water from a reflux liquid or using a dehydrating agent. Thereby, malodor and waste water are prevented from occurring. The catalyst can be recycled for use or apparatuses made of stainless steel can be used and the aforementioned method is advantageous even in aspects of economical efficiency and environmental protection.