The present invention provides a process for reducing the nitrogen content of a liquid hydrocarbon feed wherein said process comprises a) contacting a liquid hydrocarbon feed comprising an alkylating agent and organic nitrogen species with an acidic catalyst at elevated temperature in a first reaction zone to generate a liquid hydrocarbon feed comprising a reduced alkylating agent content and organic nitrogen species of higher boiling point. b) fractionating the liquid hydrocarbon feed comprising a reduced alkylating agent content and organic nitrogen species of higher boiling point to remove the organic nitrogen species of higher boiling point to generate a liquid hydrocarbon feed comprising a reduced alkylating agent content and a reduced nitrogen content.