Regeneration of acidic ionic liquid without addition of a hydrogenation catalyst

#This application is related to a co-filed application titled “REACTOR FOR HOMOGENEOUS REGENERATION OF SPENT IONIC LIQUID”, herein incorporated in its entirety.

#This application is directed to a process for regenerating a spent acidic ionic liquid without the addition of a hydrogenation catalyst. This application is also directed to a process for making an alkylate gasoline blending component including feeding a spent acidic ionic liquid and hydrogen to a regeneration reactor, without the addition of any solid hydrogenation catalyst to the regeneration reactor.

#Improved processes are needed for regenerating spent acidic ionic liquids. Earlier processes have required significant quantities of hydrogenation catalysts to perform the hydro-regeneration. Hydrogenation catalysts need to be periodically replaced and/or regenerated, and they can be costly to purchase, handle, and dispose of.

#FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the experimental apparatus used in Examples 2 and 4-7 in this disclosure.

#FIG. 2 is a graph of the moles of hydrogen consumed/g of ionic liquid, and conjunct polymer content, plotted vs. the reaction time from the Example 2 in this disclosure.

#FIG. 3 is a graph of the moles of hydrogen consumed/g of ionic liquid, and conjunct polymer content, plotted vs. the reaction time from the Example 3 in this disclosure

#“Acidic ionic liquid” refers to materials consisting entirely of ions, that can donate a proton or accept an electron pair in reactions, and that are liquid below 100° C.

#“Spent” refers to a less active catalytic material that has been contaminated during use, typically with conjunct polymer.

#“Addition” refers to a purposeful step of adding a different material, e.g., a hydrogenation catalyst, to a vessel used for the contacting.