Abstract: The present disclosure provides processes and apparatus for producing poly alpha olefins. In at least one embodiment, a process to produce a poly alpha olefin includes introducing a first olefin monomer to a first catalyst and an activator in a first reactor to form a first reactor effluent comprising olefin dimers and olefin timers. The process includes heating the first reactor effluent to form an isomerized product and introducing the isomerized product to a filtration unit to form a filtration effluent. The process may include introducing the filtration effluent to a first distillation unit to form a first distillation effluent. The process may include introducing the first distillation effluent to a second distillation unit to form a second distillation effluent. The process includes introducing the first distillation effluent and/or the second distillation effluent to a second catalyst in a second reactor to form a second reactor effluent comprising the olefin timers.

Abstract: Described is a method to make linear alpha olefins. The method includes the steps of contacting a feedstock having a lactone and/or an unsaturated carboxylic acid with a solid acid catalyst having acidic catalytic sites including Lewis acid catalytic sites, for a time and a temperature wherein at least a fraction of the lactone and/or unsaturated carboxylic acid present in the feedstock is converted into a linear alpha olefin. The method may optionally take place in the presence of water. The solid acid catalyst should preferably have at least 50% Lewis acid catalytic sites.

Abstract: An OCTOL process is disclosed which by limitation of the conversion in its individual oligomerization steps is set up particularly for the productive utilization of C4 feedstock mixtures with a low 1-butene content and which nevertheless yields a C8 product mixture having an Iso index suitable for the preparation of plasticizer alcohols.

Abstract: This invention is directed to lubricating compositions comprising a first base oil component consisting of a polyalphaolefin base stock or combination of polyalphaolefin base stocks, each having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of from 3.2 cSt to 3.8 cSt and obtained by a process comprising: (a) contacting a catalyst, an activator, and a monomer in a first reactor to obtain a first reactor effluent, the effluent comprising a dimer product, a trimer product, and optionally a higher oligomer product, (b) feeding at least a portion of the dimer product to a second reactor, (c) contacting said dimer product with a second catalyst, a second activator, and optionally a second monomer in the second reactor, (d) obtaining a second reactor effluent, the effluent comprising at least a trimer product, and (e) hydrogenating at least the trimer product of the second reactor effluent.

Abstract: This invention is directed to passenger car engine oil compositions comprising in admixture 60 wt % to 90 wt % of a first base oil component, based on the total weight of the composition, the first base oil component consisting of a polyalphaolefin base stock or combination of polyalphaolefin base stocks, each having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of from 3.2 cSt to 3.8 cSt; 0.1 wt % to 20 wt % of a second base oil component, based on the total weight of the composition, the second base oil component consisting of a Group II, Group III or Group V base stock, or any combination thereof; and at least 0.75 wt % viscosity index improver, on a solid polymer basis.

Abstract: This invention is directed to ultra-low viscosity passenger car engine oil compositions with a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of from 4 to 6 cSt, and comprising in admixture 60 wt % to 90 wt % of a first base oil component, based on the total weight of the composition, the first base oil component consisting of a polyalphaolefin base stock or combination of polyalphaolefin base stocks, each having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of from 3.2 cSt to 3.8 cSt; and 0.1 wt % to 20 wt % of a second base oil component, based on the total weight of the composition, the second base oil component consisting of a Group II, Group III or Group V base stock, or any combination thereof; wherein the composition comprises from 0 wt % to less than 0.25 wt % viscosity index improver, on a solid polymer basis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high activity olefin polymerization catalyst comprising a boron-containing silica support and the preparation thereof. This invention is characterized in that the support is heat treated in combination with a chemical treatment using a boron compound. The boron compound used in the chemical treatment of this invention is boron halide, preferably boron trichloride. The catalyst of this invention has the weight of boron comparing with the support is 0.5 to 0.7% and has the weight of the boron relative to the catalyst of 0.1 to 0.5%. The catalyst of this invention has chemical compositions comprising:—Boron 0.1-0.5% wt;—Titanium 4-6% wt;—Magnesium 2-6% wt;—Chloride 15-25% wt.

Abstract: A process for oligomerizing isobutene comprises contacting a feedstock comprising isobutene with a catalyst comprising a MCM-22 family molecular sieve under conditions effective to oligomerize the isobutene, wherein said conditions including a temperature from about 45° C. to less than 140° C. The isobutene may be a component of a hydrocarbon feedstock containing at least one additional C4 alkene. In certain aspects, isobutene oligomers are separated from a first effluent of the oligomerization to produce a second effluent comprising at least one n-butene. The second effluent can be contacted with an alkylation catalyst to produce sec-butylbenzene.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a jet fuel composition from a feedstock comprising a natural oil. The methods comprise reacting the feedstock with a low-weight olefin in the presence of a metathesis catalyst under conditions sufficient to form a metathesized product. The methods further comprise hydrogenating the metathesized product under conditions sufficient to form a jet fuel composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a hydrocarbon fraction rich in components boiling in the range typical for diesel fuel comprising contacting a feedstock comprising one or more C2 to C10 alkenes with a modified zeolite catalyst having a one-dimensional micropore structure consisting of channels made from rings containing between 8 and 12 silicon/aluminum atoms at a temperature in the range 100 to 500° C. and pressure in the range 0.1 to 200 bar characterized in that the modified zeolite catalyst is one which has been prepared by treating a corresponding zeolite precursor with an alkaline solution. The alkaline solution used to treat the zeolite precursor can be for example aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. Relative to equivalent untreated zeolites the modified zeolite catalysts described show improved catalyst life and selectivity to hydrocarbons boiling in the range 250 to 350° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a hydrocarbon fraction rich in components boiling in the range typical for diesel fuel comprising contacting a feedstock comprising one or more C2 to C10 alkenes with a zeolite catalyst having partially neutralised acidity and a one-dimensional or two dimensional micropore structure consisting of channels made from rings containing between 10 and 12 silicon/aluminium atoms at a temperature in the range 373 to 773 K and pressure in the range 0.1 to 200 bar characterised in that the partially neutralized zeolite catalyst contains both protons and basic cations. The basic cations are preferably selected from the group comprising Group IA and IIA cations (preferably sodium, potassium, caesium or mixtures thereof). Relative to their equivalent fully protonic forms the partially neutralized zeolite catalysts described show improved catalyst life and selectivity to hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process for the oligomerization of C6-C24 alpha-olefins to give a polyolefin product comprising at least 50 mole % of alphaolefin trimers. The process involves contacting two or more C6-C24 alpha-olefins with a catalyst in a solvent at a temperature below 120° C. and under reaction conditions sufficient to produce the alphaolefin trimers. The polyolefin product has a viscosity (Kv100) from 2 to 8 cSt at 100° C., and a viscosity index (VI) from 100 to 160. The polyolefin product comprises at least two alphaolefin trimers, each having a different total carbon number. The process further involves hydrogenating the polyolefin product to form a lubricating oil base stock. The lubricating oil base stock can be used in formulating lubricating oils. The lubricating oils are advantageous as engine oils that can improve engine fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of oligomeric poly alpha-olefins includes oligomerizing low molecular weight PAO oligomer in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst such as promoted aluminum trichloride or boron trifluoride under oligomerization conditions. The low molecular weight PAO oligomers used as a feed or feed component of the present process are the light olefinic by-product fractions including the dimers and light fractions from the metallocene-catalyzed PAO oligomerization process which are characterized by a molecular weight of 150 to 600 and a terminal olefin (vinylidene) content of at least 25%.

Abstract: A catalyst that comprises at least one binder and at least one crystallized material with hierarchized and organized porosity in the fields of microporosity and mesoporosity is described, whereby said crystallized material consists of at least two elementary spherical particles, each of said particles comprising a mesostructured silicon-oxide-based matrix that has a mesopore diameter of between 1.5 and 30 nm and that has microporous and crystallized walls with a thickness of between 1 and 60 nm, whereby said elementary spherical particles have a maximum diameter of 200 microns. Said catalyst is used in a process for oligomerization of an olefinic feedstock that contains hydrocarbon molecules that have 2 to 12 carbon atoms per molecule.

Abstract: Olefins are oligomerized by bringing at least one C2 to C8-olefin into contact with a nickel-containing heterogeneous catalyst. The catalyst is conditioned before contact with the olefin by passing an inert gas flow over the same, until the inert gas flow has a water content of less than 1000 ppm. Selectivity for the production of higher oligomers, in particular trimers relative to the formation of dimers is increased by the pretreatment.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process of producing propylene by contacting ethylene with a catalyst, where propylene is produced with high selectivity. The present invention relates to a production process of propylene, comprising contacting ethylene with a catalyst, wherein the catalyst comprises a zeolite as an active ingredient and an acid content in the outer surface of the zeolite is 5 % or less based on an acid content of the entire zeolite.

Abstract: The conversion and run length for oligomerization of olefins over a molecular sieve catalyst in a tubular reactor is improved by controlling the peak temperature to not exceed 50 degrees C. above the temperature of the temperature control fluid exiting the shell side outlet of the reactor. A tubular reactor containing molecular sieve catalyst is provided with a multipoint thermocouple in at least one tube, and optionally with a bottom design adapted for fast unloading of the molecular sieve catalyst from the tubular reactor.

Abstract: A process for oligomerization of an olefinic feedstock that contains olefinic hydrocarbon molecules that have 2 to 10 carbon atoms per molecule is described, whereby said process comprises bringing said feedstock into contact with a catalyst that comprises at least one amorphous material with hierarchized and organized porosity and consists of at least two elementary spherical particles, each of said particles comprising a mesostructured silicon-oxide-based matrix that has a mesopore diameter of between 1.5 and 30 nm and that exhibits amorphous and microporous walls with a thickness of between 1 and 50 nm, whereby said elementary spherical particles have a maximum diameter of 200 microns.

Abstract: In a process for oligomerizing an olefinic hydrocarbon feedstock comprising at least 65 wt % olefins and/or sulfur-containing molecules, the feedstock is contacted under oligomerization conditions with (a) a first unidimensional 10-ring molecular sieve catalyst and (b) a second multidimensional crystalline molecular sieve catalyst. The first and second catalysts may be contained in separate reactors or as separate beds in a single reactor.

Abstract: Treatment at elevated temperature and advantageously superatmospheric pressure with an inert gas, especially nitrogen, rejuvenates molecular sieve catalysts deactivated by use in liquid-phase or supercritical or dense-phase olefin oligomerization, or by use in aromatic alkylation.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for, and a method of, recovering linear butenes from a mixed feed comprising providing a first mixed feed comprising linear butenes and isobutene; contacting the first mixed feed with an oligomerization catalyst such as an MWW family zeolite in a first oligomerization reactor to produce a second mixed feed comprising the linear butenes, C8 olefins and higher oligomers, and a reduced amount of isobutene relative to the first mixed feed; and separating the second mixed feed to produce a first effluent of first purified linear butenes, and a second effluent of C8 olefins and higher oligomers. The oligomerization reactor may be a converted isobutene-to-methyl-t-butylether reactor.

Abstract: Described is a process for the treatment of at least one zeolite having a pore size of less than or equal to 7 ? comprising at least a) a step for dealumination of said zeolite, b) a cationic exchange step using at least one cation other than H+, c) a step for treatment of said zeolite obtained in step b) in the presence of at least one molecular compound containing at least one silicon atom, and d) at least one heat treatment step. The present invention also concerns the preparation of a catalyst containing the zeolite treated in accordance with the treatment process the subject-matter of the invention and the use of said catalyst in a process for the oligomerization of an olefinic charge containing hydrocarbon molecules having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms per molecule.

Abstract: Processes for upgrading condensate in a first hydrocarbon stream to provide distillate material may involve ionic liquid catalyzed olefin oligomerization of olefins in the first hydrocarbon stream to provide a first distillate enriched stream, dechlorination of the first distillate enriched stream, hydroprocessing at least one of a second and a third hydrocarbon stream to provide a second distillate enriched stream, and separation of a distillate product from the first and second distillate enriched streams.

Abstract: A method of converting ethanol to a diesel fuel base stock comprises: a reaction stage (a) of contacting the ethanol with an acid catalyst, amorphous or structured, predominantly mesoporous, for example at a temperature of 300° C. to 500° C., at a pressure of 2 to 10 MPa and at a WHSV of 0.2 to 4 h?1, producing a gas phase, an organic liquid phase and an aqueous liquid phase, and a stage (b) of separating said gas phase, said organic liquid phase and said aqueous liquid phase at a pressure close to the reaction pressure. The method can involve recycling at least part of the gas phase separated in stage (b) to stage (a), and hydrogenating at least part of the organic liquid phase separated in stage (b).

Abstract: This invention is directed to a poly alpha olefin (PAO) composition formed in a first oligomerization, wherein at least portions of the PAO have properties that make them highly desirable for a subsequent oligomerization. A preferred process for producing this PAO uses a single site catalyst at high temperatures without adding hydrogen to produce a low viscosity PAO with excellent Noack volatility at high conversion rates. This PAO comprises a dimer product with at least 25 wt % tri-substituted vinylene olefins wherein said dimer product is highly desirable as a feedstock for a subsequent oligomerization. This PAO also comprises trimer and optionally higher oligomer products with outstanding properties that make these products useful as lubricant basestocks following hydrogenation.

Abstract: The invention relates to series reactor beds containing different oligomerization catalysts and having independent temperature control, and processes for the oligomerization of light olefins to heavier olefins using such series reactor beds.

Abstract: A process for the dimerization of isoolefins, including: contacting an isoolefin with a solid catalyst composition passivated with at least one of an ether, an alcohol, and water; wherein the solid catalyst composition comprises at least one of a solid phosphoric acid catalyst and a resin of a macroporous matrix of polyvinyl aromatic compound crosslinked with a divinyl compound and having thereon from about 3 to 5 milli equivalents of sulfonic acid groups per gram of dry resin; and wherein at least 50% to less than 100% of acid groups in the solid catalyst composition are neutralized with a metal of Al, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, or mixtures thereof. The catalyst may be metalized prior to placement in a reactor or may be metalized in situ.

Abstract: Methods and systems relate to upgrading light olefins, such as ethylene, propylene and butylenes, diluted in a gas mixture, such as refinery fuel gas. The upgrading yields products in a gasoline, distillate, lube oil or wax range without requiring purification or compression of the gas mixture prior to feeding the gas mixture to a reactor. In operation, the mixture contacts a solid oligomerization catalyst, such as silica supported chromium, within the reactor. This contact occurs at a first temperature suitable to produce oligomers that are formed of the olefins and adsorb on the catalyst in liquid or solid phases. Next, heating the catalyst to a second temperature higher the first temperature desorbs the oligomers that are recovered and separated into the products.

Abstract: A process for the oligomerization of C6-C24 alpha-olefins to give a polyolefin product comprising at least 50 mole % of alphaolefin trimers. The process involves contacting two or more C6-C24 alpha-olefins with a catalyst in a solvent at a temperature below 120° C. and under reaction conditions sufficient to produce the alphaolefin trimers. The polyolefin product has a viscosity (Kv100) from 2 to 8 cSt at 100° C., and a viscosity index (VI) from 100 to 160. The polyolefin product comprises at least two alphaolefin trimers, each having a different total carbon number. The process further involves hydrogenating the polyolefin product to form a lubricating oil base stock. The lubricating oil base stock can be used in formulating lubricating oils. The lubricating oils are advantageous as engine oils that can improve engine fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A process for preparing poly alpha olefins from a Fisher-Tropsch product. The process comprising the steps of contacting a C5-C18 fraction of an alpha-olefinic hydrocarbon mixture produced from thermal cracking a C16-C40 Fisher-Tropsch product with an oligomerization catalyst under conditions to produce an oligomerized product; and fractionating the oligomerized product to obtain a fractionated product having an average carbon number greater than 30. A process for preparing lubricant base stocks from a Fisher-Tropsch product is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a low aromatic producing process for catalytical conversion of Fisher-Tropsch derived olefins to distillates (COD), which process includes the step of contacting Fisher-Tropsch derived olefins with a zeolite type catalyst at pressures of more than 50 barg.

Abstract: Provided is a process for oligomerizing n-olefins. The process has the step of reacting (oligomerizing) an amount of one or more n-olefins in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a two or more metal oxides at a temperature effective to effect oligomerization. The two or more metal oxides are represented by the formula MOn/M?On?. M and M?, are, independently, selected from the group consisting of Al, Ce, Fe, P, W, Zr, and combinations thereof. M and M? are different metals or combinations of metals. “n” and “n?” are positive numbers and vary stoichiometrically depending on the valency of M and M?, respectively. Provided is also a process for alkylation of an alkylatable aromatic compound. The process has the step of contacting an amount of one or more n-olefins with an amount of aromatic compound in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of the two or more metal oxides at a temperature effective to effect alkylation of the aromatic compound.

Abstract: A process for dimerizing olefins in the presence of a catalyst, a hydrocarbon feedstock containing C4 to C6 isoolefins is subjected to dimerization. The process comprises the steps of contacting the C4 to C6 isoolefins at conditions conducive to dimerization with a catalytic material comprising an acidic mesoporous molecular sieve, the catalytic material being thermally stable at a temperature of at least 900° C., and carrying out the contacting step essentially in the absence of butadiene and water in the feedstock. By means of the invention, the dimerization process can be operated over extended periods of time with prolonged maintenance intervals.

Abstract: We provide a process, comprising oligomerizing one or more olefins having a boiling point less than 82° C. in a presence of an ionic liquid catalyst and one or more C5+ alpha olefins in a reactor to produce a base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of 36 mm2/s or higher and a VI greater than 55; and wherein the one or more olefins having the boiling point less than 82° C. comprise greater than 50 wt % of a total mixture of olefins fed to the reactor. We provide a process, comprising oligomerizing olefins having a low boiling point in a presence of an ionic liquid catalyst and a mixture of C5+ alpha olefins derived from waste plastic to produce a base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. greater than 1100 mm2/s and a VI greater than 55. We also provide a base oil made by the process.

Abstract: A process for oligomerizing an olefinic hydrocarbon feed is described which consists of bringing said feed into contact with a catalyst comprising a silica-alumina, the silica content of said catalyst being in the range 5% to 95% by weight, said catalyst being prepared using a process comprising at least: a) mixing at least one alumina compound which is partially soluble in an acid medium with either at least one silica compound which is completely soluble in the reaction mixture or a combination formed by at least one silica compound and at least one alumina compound, said silica and alumina compounds being completely soluble in the reaction mixture, in order to form a solid precursor of said catalyst; b) hydrothermal treatment of the solid derived from step a) by calcining in moist air for a period in the range 4 to 7 hours.

Abstract: Processes for upgrading condensate in a first hydrocarbon stream to provide distillate material may involve ionic liquid catalyzed olefin oligomerization of olefins in the first hydrocarbon stream to provide a first distillate enriched stream, dechlorination of the first distillate enriched stream, hydroprocessing at least one of a second and a third hydrocarbon stream to provide a second distillate enriched stream, and separation of a distillate product from the first and second distillate enriched streams.

Abstract: A process for the use in the oligomerization of olefins is presented. The process produces a gasoline boiling range product having a high research octane number and almost no aromatics content. The process utilizes a solid catalyst comprising a zeolite that is treated with a phosphorous containing reagent to generate a catalyst having phosphorous content between 0.5 and 15 wt %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing polyolefins wherein a feedstock comprising n-olefin or a mixture of n-olefins is dimerized in the presence of a solid acidic catalyst by passing the feedstock to a catalytic distillation apparatus comprising either a) a combination of a distillation column and a reactor comprising at least one catalyst bed, or b) a distillation column connected to one or more side reactors comprising at least one catalyst layer, recovering the unreacted n-olefin from the distillation column or the combination of the distillation column and the reactor at the upper part thereof as a side-stream to be combined with the feedstock, and the reaction product from the dimerization is hydrogenated.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrocarbon products, including: a) operating a process unit comprising a liquid catalyst in a first mode; b) adjusting a molar ratio of olefin to HCl; and c) operating in a second mode; wherein the first mode and the second mode are different, and the first mode and the second mode are selected from a distillate mode and a lubricant mode. Also, a process for making distillate and lubricant, including: adjusting a molar ratio of olefin to HCl in an oligomerization reactor to provide product selectivity; wherein decreasing the molar ratio provides a higher amount of distillate and increasing the molar ratio provides a higher amount of lubricant. Additionally, a process unit, having: a) an oligomerization reactor; and b) a control system that enables the reactor to be operated in a distillate mode and in a lubricant mode; and wherein the reactor can switch between modes.

Abstract: Provided is a method of oligomerizing alpha olefins. In an embodiment, an oligomerization catalyst system is contacted in at least one continuous reactor with a feed comprising olefins; an effluent comprising product olefins having at least four carbon atoms is withdrawn from the reactor; the oligomerization catalyst system comprises iron or cobalt, or combinations thereof; and the single pass conversion of ethylene is at least about 40 weight percent among product olefins having at least four carbon atoms. In another embodiment, the single pass conversion of ethylene comprises at least about 65 weight percent among product olefins having at least four carbon atoms. In another embodiment, product olefins of the effluent having twelve carbon atoms comprise at least about 95 weight percent 1-dodecene. In another embodiment, product olefins comprise at least about 80 weight percent linear 1-alkenes.

Abstract: Nitrogen-containing Lewis bases act as poisons for molecular sieve catalysts used in oligomerisation reactions. A lowering of their presence in the feed prior to the contacting thereof with the molecular sieve brings a significant extension of catalyst life. Excessive elimination of these poisons may be disadvantageous. Lowering the levels of these catalyst poisons to more manageable concentrations is therefore preferred.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes to produce liquid poly-alpha-olefins (PAOs) having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of more than 20 cSt in the presence of a metallocene catalyst with a non-coordinating anion activator and hydrogen.

Abstract: Process for telomerizing noncyclic olefins having at least two conjugated double bonds with at least one nucleophile using a catalyst containing a metal of group 8, 9 or 10 of the Periodic Table of the Elements, wherein the overall telomerization process has a process step of catalyst recycling, in which hydrogen is added via a hydrogen source to the mixture present in this process step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of oligomerizing olefins M selectively to oligomers Mn, involving a catalytic system comprising at least one organometallic complex with a metal of groups 4 to 10 of the periodic table of molecular volume Vmo, and a micro- or mesoporous solid whose average micropore diameter ? is greater than or equal to ?min defined as a function of the molecular volume (Vmo+nVmM), where n is the number of monomeric olefins strung together upon obtaining the metallacycle intermediate and VmM the molecular volume of the monomeric olefin.

Abstract: In oligomerizing alpha-olefins to produce poly alpha-olefins, the feedstock consists of nonene, or a blend of alpha-olefins comprising nonene. The nonene comprising alpha-olefin feedstock and at least one catalyst are subjected to oligomerization or polymerization conditions in a reactor. Following reaction, the mixture may be subjected to distillations to removed unreacted alpha-olefins and dimers of the alpha-olefins. The resulting product may also be hydrogenated. The final product may also be fractioned to recover at least two fractions of poly alpha-olefins of differing nominal viscosities.

Abstract: Methods of oligomerizing hydrocarbons are disclosed. These methods include contacting olefins with an oligomerization catalyst in an oligomerization zone under oligomerization reaction conditions.

Abstract: Water reacts on molecular sieve catalysts used in oligomerization reactions and forms oxygenated compounds, in particular organic acids that may cause corrosion problems downstream of the reactor, in particular in distillation tower overhead systems and downstream thereof. A lowering of the presence of water in the feed prior to contacting thereof with the molecular sieve brings a significant reduction in corrosion downstream. At the same time, it has a significant beneficial effect on catalyst activity and brings a significant extension of catalyst life. Lowering water in the feed is particularly effective when organic nitrogen-containing Lewis bases are present in the feed, even at low levels.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making higher olefins by oligomerization of a lower olefin e.g ethylene, to higher olefins, using catalytic distillation conditions. Simultaneously and interdependently, the lower olefin is catalytically oligomerized to higher olefins, and said higher olefins are separated and recovered as liquid.

Abstract: A process for polymerising or oligomerising a hydrocarbon includes feeding a liquid hydrocarbon reactant and a liquid evaporative cooling medium into a bulk liquid phase which includes polymeric or oligomeric product admixed with a catalyst, and allowing at least a portion of the liquid hydrocarbon reactant and the liquid evaporative cooling medium to vapourise to form bubbles rising through the bulk liquid phase, with the hydrocarbon reactant polymerising or oligomerising to form the polymeric or oligomeric product and with the evaporation of both the liquid hydrocarbon reactant and the liquid evaporative cooling medium effecting heat removal from the bulk liquid phase. Gaseous components are withdrawn from a head space, cooled and separated. Condensed hydrocarbon reactant and condensed cooling medium are recycled to the bulk liquid phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of isobutene-containing olefin feedstock in oligomerization reactions, particularly in the production of octenes as feedstock for the manufacture of plasticizer alcohols, the process comprising contacting a feed comprising isobutene with a molecular sieve at a temperature in excess of 240° C. to produce a product low in triple-branched octenes.