Oligomerization of predominantly low molecular weight olefins over boron trifluoride in the presence of a protonic promoter

US4434309A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Texaco Inc. · US

Inventors

• John M. Larkin · Austin, US
• Walter H. Brader, Jr. · Austin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 18, 1982
• Grant date: Feb 28, 1984
• Expiry date: Jun 18, 2002

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C2531/04
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A mixture of predominantly low molecular weight alpha olefins may be oligomerized over a boron trifluoride catalyst and a protonic promoter. When the oligomers are hydrogenated they provide a synthetic lubricant base stock having excellent properties. The alpha olefins may be derived from ethylene polymerization or wax pyrolysis. An inert organic solvent may be present. Preferably, the olefin mixture is made up of greater than 50 weight weight percent of at least one low molecular weight alpha olefin having 4 to 6 carbon atoms and less than 50 weight percent of at least one higher molecular weight alpha olefin having 8 to 18 carbon atoms.