HYDROCARBON CONVERSION PROCESS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN ACIDIC IONIC LIQUID WITH UPSTREAM HYDROGENATION

The present invention relates to a process for hydrocarbon conversion in the presence of an acidic ionic liquid. The hydrocarbon conversion is preferably an isomerization, especially an isomerization of methylcyclopentane (MOP) to cyclohexane. Prior to the hydrocarbon conversion, a hydrogenation is performed, preference being given to hydrogenating benzene to cyclohexane. The cyclohexane obtained in the hydrogenation and/or isomerization is preferably isolated from the process. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogenation is followed and the hydrocarbon conversion, especially the isomerization, is preceded by distillative removal of low boilers, especially C5-C6-alkanes such as cyclopentane or isohexanes, from the hydrocarbon mixture used for hydrocarbon conversion.