Tuning an oligomerizing step to produce a base oil with selected properties

A process for making a base oil, comprising:

• a. selecting a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. that is greater than 20 mm2/s;
• b. feeding an olefin feed comprising a propylene to an oligomerization zone comprising an ionic liquid catalyst;
• and
• c. adding a Brönsted acid to the oligomerization zone in an amount needed to produce a base oil having the kinematic viscosity at 100° C. that is greater than 20 mm2/s and a viscosity index less than 100.

A process for making a base oil, comprising tuning an oligomerizing step in an oligomerization zone comprising a propylene and an acidic ionic liquid catalyst to produce a base oil having:

• a. a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. greater than 10 mm2/s;
• b. a viscosity index from 25 to 90;
• and
• c. a pour point less than −19° C.

A base oil, comprising one or more oligomerized olefins, wherein the base oil has:

• a. a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. greater than 10 mm2/s;
• b. a viscosity index from 25 to 90;
• and
• c. a pour point less than −19° C.