A low viscosity synthetic lubricant is prepared by polymerizing 1-butene to an oligomer containing a number average of about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and copolymerizing the oligomer with an alpha-monoolefin having 8 to 18 carbon atoms to produce a copolymer having an average of about 20 to 40 carbon atoms. Both polymerization reactions are catalyzed by a combination of boron trifluoride and a proton donor promoter. The synthetic lubricant is preferably stripped to remove lower boiling components, such as oligomers having 20 carbon atoms or less, and optionally hydrogenated for improved stability.
Preparation of high molecular weight, branched-chain olefins by the co-dimerization of C.sub.9 -C.sub.21 branched-chain internal olefins by a process comprising (a) contacting a propylene oligomer feedstock having from 9 to 21 carbon atoms in a reaction zone with a catalyst selected from the group consisting of hydrogen fluoride, boron trifluoride-alkanol and aluminum chloride; (b) maintaining the temperature in the reaction zone between about 0.degree. C. and 75.degree. C.; and (c) maintaining the pressure in the reaction zone between about 0 psig and 100 psig.
Preparation of C.sub.20 -C.sub.40 branched-chain olefins by the co-oligomerization of C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 branched-chain internal olefins with C.sub.5 'C.sub.6 olefins by a process comprising (a) contacting a propylene oligomer feedstock having from 12 to 18 carbon atoms with a C.sub.5 -C.sub.6 olefin feedstock in a reaction zone in the presence of a boron trifluoride-alkanol catalyst; (b) maintaining the temperature in the reaction zone between about 0.degree. C. and 80.degree. C.; and (c) maintaining the pressure in the reaction zone between about 0 psig and 200 psig.
An improved process is disclosed for preparing synthetic lubricant base stocks. Synthetic lubricant base stocks are prepared in good yield by oligomerizing linear olefins using a catalyst comprising a super-dealuminated Y-zeolite.
Composition of matter in the present invention relates to the application of a synthetic hydrocarbon compound, such as a polyalphalolefin, which may be combined with emulsifiers and thinners (functional additives), at a ratio of approximately 9:1, to serve as a downhole lubricant which is non-toxic and presents no destruction to marine life. In addition, the polyalphalolefin may be used at a higher ratio of the polyalphalolefin to functional additives, to function as a spotting fluid for the removal of lodged tools downhole, exhibiting the same non-toxic qualities as when it is utilized as a lubricant.
