Process for the production of reduced viscosity high VI hydrocarbon lubricant

Abstract

A process is disclosed for the production of low viscosity, high viscosity index liquid lubricant in high yield by the thermally-induced cleavage or pyrolysis of higher molecular weight oligomers of 1-alkenes. Further, it has been discovered that the reduced viscosity lubricants produced by pyrolysis of higher viscosity 1-alkene oligomers retain the superior characteristics of high viscosity index and low pour point of the starting material. The process comprises contacting C.sub.6 -C.sub.20 1-alkene feedstock with reduced valence state chromium oxide catalyst on porous silica support under oligomerizing conditions in an oligomerization zone whereby viscosity, high VI liquid hydrocarbon lubricant is produced having branch ratio less than 0.19 and pour point below --15.degree. C.; passing said high viscosity liquid lubricant through a pyrolysis zone under pyrolyzing conditions; separating reduced viscosity liquid hydrocarbon lubricant having high VI and low pour point.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.