The invention relates to a process for the recovery as a feedstock of an
alpha-olefin from a mixture containing mainly hydrocarbon compounds, such
as is obtained by Fischer-Tropsch-synthesis after an at least crude
separation of components boiling higher and/or lower than the
alpha-olefin, wherein tertiary olefins of the mixture, after
superstoichiometrical addition of a low alcohol, are subjected to
catalytic etherification and a stream derived by etherification is fed
jointly with the alpha-olefin and the ethers produced and other high
boiling reaction products to a distillative separation of components
boiling higher than the olefin.