| abstract |
A process for the preparation of alpha-olefin oligomers, comprising contacting an olefinic feedstock comprising C5 to C20 alpha-olefins with an ionic liquid comprising: (i) at least one borenium cation of the formula [BX2L]+, wherein L is a Lewis basic donor ligand containing a donor atom selected from oxygen, sulphur, selenium, nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, and each X is independently selected from fluorine, chlorine and bromine; and (ii) at least one non-coordinating anion. The process may be selective for the preparation of dimers, trimers and tetramers in an oligomerisation reaction of a feed stock comprising C5 to C20 alpha-olefins, preferably with a molecular weight distribution that is suitable for use in lubricant base oils. In another aspect, the use of said ionic liquid as a selective Lewis acid catalyst in Friedel-Crafts alkylation and alkane isomerisation reactions. The oligomerisation process is suitable for forming base oils for lubricating compositions. |