A method of producing a high octane alkylate from ethylene and isobutane by reacting ethylene and isobutane under catalytic conversion conditions. The ethylene and isobutane are contacted with a first catalytic material comprising a dimerization catalyst (i.e, for dimerizing ethylene) and a second catalytic material comprising an alkylation catalyst. The first and second catalytic materials are separate and distinct from each other. A high octane alkylate is recovered as a result of reacting the ethylene and isobutane in the presence of the first and second catalytic materials.