The current invention provides a process for extracting C4+ olefins from a stream comprising C4+ olefins and C4+ paraffins, wherein an oxygenate, preferably methanol (MeOH) is used as extractant, and wherein the resulting extract phase comprising C4+ olefins and extractant is converted into olefins. Also provided is a process for converting oxygenates to olefins, wherein the oxygenate preferably comprises MeOH, wherein the oxygenate is used as extractant and wherein an extract phase comprising C4+ olefins and the extractant are converted into olefins.