Abstract: The application discloses novel processes for the oligomerization of unsaturated hydrocarbons, and more specifically the use of selected ionic liquids containing Indium (III) Chloride in the oligomerization of unsaturated hydrocarbons, which allows for selection of the oligomers formed.

Abstract: A process for producing an olefin and/or an ether is described, which comprises heating an alcohol in the presence of an acidic ionic compound which exists in a liquid state at a temperature of below 150° C.

Abstract: The application discloses novel processes for the oligomerisation of unsaturated hydrocarbons, and more specifically the use of selected ionic liquids in the oligomerisation of unsaturated hydrocarbons, which allows for selection of the oligomers formed.

Abstract: A process for the oxidation of an alkyl-aromatic compound, wherein the aromatic compound is admixed with an oxidising agent or sulfur compound in the presence of an ionic liquid is described. In this process, air, dioxygen, peroxide, superoxide, any other form of active oxygen, nitrite, nitrate, nitric acid or other oxides (or oxyhalides) of nitrogen (hydrate or anhydrous) are preferably used as the oxidising agent. The process is usually under Bronsted acidic conditions. The product of the oxidation reaction is preferably a carboxylic acid or ketone or an intermediate compound in the oxidation such as an aldehyde, or alcohol. The oxidation is preferably performed in an ionic liquid containing an acid promoter such as methanesulfonic acid.

Abstract: A process for the halogenation of an aromatic compound wherein the aromatic compound is admixed with a halogenating agent in the presence of an ionic liquid is described. The method in preferably halide, sulfur or nitrate ionic liquids has significant advantages over conventional halogenation reactions. These are that the reaction starts with, e.g., a halide salt rather than, e.g., a halogen, and is therefore more convenient and safer. Also, when the reaction is performed in a nitrate ionic liquid, the only by-product is water.

Abstract: A process for the sulfonation of an aromatic compound wherein the aromatic compound and sulfonating agent are admixed in the presence of an ionic liquid is described. The method for the sulfonation of aromatic compounds in (e.g. water stable) ionic liquids offers advantages over conventional sulfonation reactions. These are that no by-products form, the ionic liquid is not consumed, and the sulfonating agent (e.g. SO3) is relatively inexpensive.

Abstract: A process for the nitration of an aromatic compound, wherein the aromatic compound is admixed with a nitrating agent in the presence of an ionic liquid is described. The method for the nitration of aromatic compounds in (e.g. neutral) ionic liquids has advantages over conventional nitrations, such as the only by-product being water, the ionic liquid not being consumed and the nitrating agent being relatively inexpensive.

Abstract: A process for the sulfonation of an aromatic compound wherein the aromatic compound and sulfonating agent are admixed in the presence of an ionic liquid is described. The method for the sulfonation of aromatic compounds in (e.g. water stable) ionic liquids offers advantages over conventional sulfonation reactions. These are that no by-products form, the ionic liquid is not consumed, and the sulfonating agent (e.g. SO3) is relatively inexpensive.

Abstract: A process for the halogenation of an aromatic compound wherein the aromatic compound is admixed with a halogenating agent in the presence of an ionic liquid is described. The method for the halogenation of aromatic compounds is preferably halide, sulfur or nitrate ionic liquids has significant advantages over conventional halogenation reactions. These are that the reaction starts with e.g. a halide salt rather than e.g. the halogen, and is therefore more convenient and safer. Also, when the reaction is performed in a nitrate ionic liquid, the only by-product is water.

Abstract: A process for the nitration of an aromatic compound, wherein the aromatic compound is admixed with a nitrating agent in the presence of an ionic liquid is described. The method for the nitration of aromatic compounds in (e.g. neutral) ionic liquids has advantages over conventional nitrations, such as the only by-product being water, the ionic liquid not being consumed and the nitrating agent being relatively inexpensive.

Abstract: A process for the oxidation of an alkyl-aromatic compound, wherein the aromatic compound is admixed with an oxidising agent or sulfur compound in the presence of an ionic liquid is described. In this process, air, dioxygen, peroxide, superoxide, any other form of active oxygen, nitrite, nitrate, nitric acid or other oxides (or oxyhalides) of nitrogen (hydrate or anhydrous) are preferably used as the oxidising agent. The process is usually under Bronsted acidic conditions. The product of the oxidation reaction is preferably a carboxylic acid or ketone or an intermediate compound in the oxidation such as an aldehyde, or alcohol. The oxidation is preferably performed in an ionic liquid containing an acid promoter such as methanesulfonic acid.

Abstract: The preparation of a mixture comprising branched fatty acids and oligomerised fatty acids comprises contacting a source of unsaturated fatty acids or their derivatives with an ionic liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the branching of fatty acids or derivatives thereof. More in particular, the invention provides a method for branching saturated fatty acids. This is achieved by contacting a source comprising fatty acids or derivatives thereof, with an ionic liquid. The invention also relates to the mixture of branched fatty acids so obtained.

Abstract: The preparation of a mixture comprising branched fatty acids and oligomerised fatty acids comprises contacting a source of unsaturated fatty acids or their derivatives with an ionic liquid.