HF Alkylation

Utilizing hydrofluoric acid as the catalyst for alkylation constitutes the alternative method for producing high-octane hydrocarbon streams essential for gasoline blending. HF alkylation offers several advantages compared to sulfuric acid alkylation, such as reduced acid consumption and the absence of a refrigeration section required in the H₂SO₄ process to maintain lower process temperatures. However, the primary drawback of employing HF is associated with process safety due to its highly corrosive and toxic nature.