A process for producing high octane bio-based alkylate is provided. The process involves reacting isobutane and bio-ethylene using an ionic liquid catalyst. Reaction conditions can be chosen to assist in attaining, or to optimize, desirable alkylate yields and/or properties.

A process for producing high octane bio-based alkylate is provided. The process involves reacting isobutane and bio-ethylene using an ionic liquid catalyst. Reaction conditions can be chosen to assist in attaining, or to optimize, desirable alkylate yields and/or properties.

An alkylation process is described. The process involves alkylation of isobutane and ethylene in a loop reactor using an ionic liquid catalyst as a continuous phase. The alkylate typically has a research octane number of at least about 93, and the olefin conversion is typically at least about 95%.

An alkylation process is described. The process involves alkylation of isobutane and ethylene in a loop reactor using an ionic liquid catalyst as a continuous phase. The alkylate typically has a research octane number of at least about 93, and the olefin conversion is typically at least about 95%.

A trialkylphosphonium haloaluminate compound having a formula:

##STR00001##

where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are the same or different and each is independently selected from C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 hydrocarbyl; and X is selected from F, Cl, Br, I, or combinations thereof is described. An ionic liquid catalyst composition incorporating the trialkylphosphonium haloaluminate compound, methods of making the trialkylphosphonium haloaluminate compound, and alkylation processes incorporating the trialkylphosphonium haloaluminate compound are also described.

A trialkylphosphonium haloaluminate compound having a formula:

##STR00001##

where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are the same or different and each is independently selected from C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 hydrocarbyl; and X is selected from F, Cl, Br, I, or combinations thereof is described. An ionic liquid catalyst composition incorporating the trialkylphosphonium haloaluminate compound, methods of making the trialkylphosphonium haloaluminate compound, and alkylation processes incorporating the trialkylphosphonium haloaluminate compound are also described.

A process for producing high octane alkylate is provided. The process involves reacting isobutane and ethylene using an ionic liquid catalyst. Reaction conditions can be chosen to assist in attaining, or to optimize, desirable alkylate yields and/or properties.

A process for producing high octane alkylate is provided. The process involves reacting isobutane and ethylene using an ionic liquid catalyst. Reaction conditions can be chosen to assist in attaining, or to optimize, desirable alkylate yields and/or properties.

Processes for the direct alkylation of ethylene with isobutane or isopentane using a highly active ionic liquid alkylation catalyst are described. Ethylene is sent to a high-temperature alkylation reactor loop, and C.sub.3, C.sub.4, and C.sub.5 olefins are routed to a low temperature alkylation reactor loop. In each reactor, the olefins are contacted with an excess of isobutane or isopentane in the presence of a highly active ionic liquid catalyst. Portions of the reactor effluent streams are fed to a common downstream catalyst separation and product fractionation sections. The remainder of the reactor effluent is recycled back to the respective alkylation reactor.

Processes for the direct alkylation of ethylene with isobutane or isopentane using a highly active ionic liquid alkylation catalyst are described. Ethylene is sent to a high-temperature alkylation reactor loop, and C.sub.3, C.sub.4, and C.sub.5 olefins are routed to a low temperature alkylation reactor loop. In each reactor, the olefins are contacted with an excess of isobutane or isopentane in the presence of a highly active ionic liquid catalyst. Portions of the reactor effluent streams are fed to a common downstream catalyst separation and product fractionation sections. The remainder of the reactor effluent is recycled back to the respective alkylation reactor.