Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods of making diester-based lubricant compositions, wherein formation of diester species proceeds via esterification of epoxide intermediates, and wherein the epoxide intermediates are generated via an enzymatically-driven mechanism. In some embodiments, the methods for making such diester-based lubricants utilize a biomass precursor and/or low value (e.g., Fischer-Tropsch (FT) olefins and/or alcohols) so as to produce high value diester-based lubricants. In some embodiments, such diester-based lubricants are derived from FT olefins and fatty acids. The fatty acids can be from a bio-based source (i.e., biomass, renewable source) or can be derived from FT alcohols via oxidation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating heavy saturated hydrocarbons from a subsurface shale formation comprising kerogen and an extractible organics component. These methods can be used to provide a bright stock product. The process comprises extracting an extractible organics component from subsurface shale formations comprising kerogen and the extractible organics component in an inorganic matrix and isolating a heavy hydrocarbon fraction comprising saturated beta-carotene. The methods utilize a hydrocarbon solvent to at least partially solubilize the extractible organics component. Among other factors, these processes are based on the discovery that the extractible organics is composed of a heavy hydrocarbon component containing saturated beta-carotene. The saturated beta-carotene product is a valuable commercial product. The presently disclosed processes are more environmentally benign, more economical, and more efficient in producing commercial products and in providing access to kerogen.

Abstract: A process for hydrocarbon conversion, comprising: contacting a hydrocarbon with an acid catalyst containing greater than 15 wt % conjunct polymer. The acid catalyst has a molar ratio of Al to a heteroatom selected from the group of N, P, O, S, and combinations thereof greater than 2.0. The hydrocarbon is converted during the contacting. Also a method to make a catalyst having greater than 15 wt % conjunct polymer and a high molar ratio of Al to the heteroatom, wherein an acidic ionic liquid catalyst is made that is effective for catalyzing a reaction. There are also provided catalyst compositions having greater than 15 wt % conjunct polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a refrigerator oil composition comprising (a) a triester species having the following structure: wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are the same or independently selected from hydrocarbon groups having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms and wherein “n” is an integer from 2 to 20; and (b) a refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant is a halohydrocarbon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating heavy saturated hydrocarbons from a subsurface shale formation comprising kerogen and an extractible organics component. These methods can be used to provide a bright stock product. The process comprises extracting an extractible organics component from subsurface shale formations comprising kerogen and the extractible organics component in an inorganic matrix and isolating a heavy hydrocarbon fraction comprising saturated beta-carotene. The methods utilize a hydrocarbon solvent to at least partially solubilize the extractible organics component. Among other factors, these processes are based on the discovery that the extractible organics is composed of a heavy hydrocarbon component containing saturated beta-carotene. The saturated beta-carotene product is a valuable commercial product. The presently disclosed processes are more environmentally benign, more economical, and more efficient in producing commercial products and in providing access to kerogen.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to the present invention provides for multi-grade engine oil formulations comprising a diester component, wherein the diester component comprises vicinal diester species, and wherein at least a portion of said diester component is bio-derived. Many such formulations of the present invention are expected to favorably compete with similar, existing formulations comprising synthetic esters, but such formulations are generally expected to meet or exceed such existing formulations in a number of areas including, but not limited to, economics, biodegradability, and/or toxicity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a refrigerator oil composition comprising (a) at least one diester species having the following structure: wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are the same or independently selected from hydrocarbon groups having from 2 to 17 carbon atoms; and (b) a refrigerant.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods of making diester-based lubricant compositions, wherein formation of diester species proceeds via direct esterification of epoxide intermediates. In some embodiments, the methods for making such diester-based lubricants utilize a biomass precursor and/or low value (e.g., Fischer-Tropsch (FT) olefins and/or alcohols) so as to produce high value diester-based lubricants. In some embodiments, such diester-based lubricants are derived from FT olefins and fatty acids. The fatty acids can be from a bio-based source (i.e., biomass, renewable source) or can be derived from FT alcohols via oxidation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a refrigerator oil composition comprising (a) a triester species having the following structure: wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are the same or independently selected from hydrocarbon groups having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms and wherein “n” is an integer from 2 to 20; and (b) a refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant is a halohydrocarbon.

Abstract: A process for making base oil, comprising: oligomerizing one or more olefins having a boiling point less than 82° C. in the presence of an ionic liquid catalyst to produce the base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of 1100 mm2/s or higher. Also, a process, comprising: oligomerizing the olefins in the presence of an ionic liquid catalyst to produce the base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of 300 mm2/s or higher and a low cloud point, wherein a wt % yield of products boiling at 482° C.+ (900° F.+) is at least 65 wt % of a total yield of products from the oligomerizing. Additionally, a process, comprising: oligomerizing the olefins in the presence of an ionic liquid catalyst to produce the base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. greater than 1100 mm2/s and a low cloud point.

Abstract: A process for regenerating a spent ionic liquid catalyst including (a) applying a voltage across one or more pairs of electrodes immersed in a spent ionic liquid catalyst comprising conjunct polymer-metal halide complexes to provide freed conjunct polymers and a regenerated ionic liquid catalyst; and (b) separating the freed conjunct polymers from the regenerated ionic liquid catalyst is described. An alkylation process incorporating the regeneration process is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to diester-based lubricant compositions comprising one or more isomeric mixtures of diester species wherein the kinematic viscosity of the composition at temperature of 100 C is at least 3 mm2/s The present invention is also directed to methods of making these and other similar lubricant compositions. In some embodiments, the methods for making such diester-based lubricants utilize a biomass precursor material from which mono-unsaturated free lipid species can be provided or otherwise generated, wherein such mono-unsaturated free lipid species are converted to isomeric diol species en route to the synthesis of diester species for use as/in the diester-based lubricant compositions.

Abstract: A process for regenerating a used acidic catalyst which has been deactivated by conjunct polymers by removing the conjunct polymers so as to increase the activity of the catalyst is disclosed. Methods for removing the conjunct polymers include addition of a basic reagent and alkylation. The methods are applicable to all acidic catalysts and are described with reference to certain ionic liquid catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to diester-based lubricant compositions comprising one or more isomeric mixtures of diester species. The present invention is also directed to methods of making these and other similar lubricant compositions. In some embodiments, the methods for making such diester-based lubricants utilize a biomass precursor material from which mono-unsaturated free lipid species can be provided or otherwise generated, wherein such mono-unsaturated free lipid species are converted to isomeric diol species en route to the synthesis of diester species for use as/in the diester-based lubricant compositions.

Abstract: A process for isomerizing light paraffins using a catalyst comprising an SFS-type zeolite and at least one Group VIII metal. It has been found that the catalyst can selectively convert C6 paraffins into the more favorable higher octane C6 isomer, namely 2,3-dimethylbutane (RON=105), over the less favorable C6 isomer, namely octane 2,2-dimethylbutane (RON=94).

Abstract: A process for isomerizing light paraffins using a catalyst comprising an *SFV-type zeolite and at least one Group VIII metal. It has been found that the catalyst can selectively convert C6 paraffins into the more favorable higher octane C6 isomer, namely 2,3-dimethylbutane (RON=105), over the less favorable C6 isomer, namely octane 2,2-dimethylbutane (RON=94).

Abstract: An industrial oil composition comprises a major amount of an ester base oil comprised of at least one diester or triester species having a vicinal diester substituent and at least one additive. The use of such esters can provide biodegradable industrial oils having improved viscosity index, additive solvency, or both.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods of making diester-based (bio)lubricant compositions, wherein such diester-based lubricant compositions generally comprise diester species prepared by reacting vicinal diol species with monoester(s) of one or more fatty acids. In some embodiments, such methods for making such diester-based lubricants utilize one or more biomass precursor species (e.g., monoesters of fatty acids derived from crop oils and/or other source of triglyceride species such as algae). In some embodiments, such diester-based lubricants are derived from Fischer-Tropsch (FT) olefins, typically alpha (?)-olefins.

Abstract: A process comprising regenerating a used ionic liquid catalyst, recovering conjunct polymer from the regenerated catalyst and using at least a portion of the conjunct polymer is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a refrigerator oil composition comprising (a) at least one diester species having the following structure: wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are the same or independently selected from hydrocarbon groups having from 2 to 17 carbon atoms; and (b) a refrigerant.