Abstract: A catalyst obtained by contacting a transition metal compound (A) of the general formula [1]: [LpXoCpjM(N2)nM′XmLl]X′k  [1], wherein M and M′ independently represent a transition metal of Group 3 to 10; X independently represents a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, a specific hydrocarbon group or the like; Cp is a cyclopentadienyl group; L represents a group which bonds to M or M′ by lone pair of electrons or a &pgr; electron; X′ represents a counter anion; k, l, m, o and p each independently represent an integer of 0 to 5; j represents an integer of 0 to 2; n+o+p+j≦6; n represents an integer of 1 to 3; and n+l+m≦6, with an organoaluminum, and an aluminoxane and/or boron compound, or with an aluminoxane and/or boron compound, and a process for producing an addition polymerization with the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the copolymerization of conjugated diolefins with non-conjugated olefins in the presence of rare earth metal catalysts. The advantages of the process according to the invention are in particular the high selectivity, good space-time yield and the possibility of being able to vary the reaction conditions within a wide range.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymerization catalysts for unsaturated monomers which are represented by the following general formula [1]: MR1kR2mR3nQh  [1] wherein R1 is selected from ligands having at least one nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus or oxygen atom; R2 is selected from ligands comprising cyclic hydrocarbons having &pgr;-electrons, and R1 and R2 may be crosslinked with each other; R3 is selected from ligands comprising a hydrogen atom, alkyl groups, aryl groups, silicon-containing alkyl groups and silicon-containing aryl groups; M is a metal selected from the metals of group III of the periodic table; Q is selected from halogen atoms and electron-donating ligands, where Q may be the same or different if h is more than one; k is an integer of 1 to 4; and m, n and h are each 0 or an integer of 1 to 4.

Abstract: A cationic Group 3 or Lanthanide metal complex for coordination polymerization of olefins is disclosed. The precursor metal complex is stabilized by an anionic multidentate ancillary ligand and two monoanionic ligands. The ancillary ligand and the transition metal form a metallocycle having at least five primary atoms, counting any &pgr;-bound cyclopentadienyl group in the metallocycle as two primary atoms. Olefin polymerization is exemplified.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for polymerizing conjugated diolefins in the presence of a catalyst of the rare earth metals and in the presence of an aromatic vinyl compound. The diolefins produced thereby may find use in producing rubber-modified molding materials, such as ABS and HIPS.

Abstract: A catalyst in a solid state for polymerization of a conjugated diene or copolymerization of a conjugated diene and an aromatic vinyl compound, which comprises a metallocene-type cation complex of a rare earth metal compound. The catalyst typically is a trivalent rare earth metal compound represented by the general formula (I): RaMXb wherein M represents a rare earth metal; R represents cyclopentadienyl group, a substituted cyclopentadienyl group, indenyl group, a substituted indenyl group, fluorenyl group, or a substituted fluorenyl group; X represents an anion; symbol “a” represents an integer of 1 or 2; and symbol “b” represents an integer of 1 or 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for obtaining a polyisoprene having a high cis-1,4 linkage content, from a steam-cracked C5 naphtha fraction enriched with isoprene. The process of the present invention comprises reacting a steam-cracked C5 naphtha fraction in the presence of a catalytic system, wherein the C5 fraction is enriched with isoprene such that the mass fraction of isoprene in said enriched fraction lies within a range of from 30% to 95%, and the catalytic system is based on at least (a) a conjugated diene monomer, (b) an organic phosphoric acid salt of one or more rare earth metals, (c) an alkylating agent consisting of an alkylaluminum of the formula AlR3 or HAlR2, and (d) a halogen donor consisting of an alkylaluminum halide, said salt being suspended in at least one inert saturated hydrocarbon solvent of aliphatic or alicyclic type which is included in said catalytic system, and the molar ratio of alkylating agent: rare earth salt is in a range of from 1 to 5.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel metal complex which, when used with an activating cocatalyst, provides a novel catalyst composition. The invention also provides a polymerization method which utilizes the catalyst composition to produce polymers and copolymers containing polar monomer groups. More specifically, the invention comprises a composition comprising the formula LMXZn wherein X is selected from the group consisting of halides, hydride, triflate, acetates, borates, C1 through C12 alkyl, C1 through C12 alkoxy, C3 through C12 cycloalkyl, C3 through C12 cycloalkoxy, aryl, thiolates, carbon monoxide, cyanate, olefins, and any other moiety into which a monomer can insert. M is selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ag, and Au. L is a nitrogen-containing bidentate ligand having more than two nitrogen atoms. Z is a neutral coordinating ligand and n equals 0, 1, or 2.

Abstract: The neodymium catalyst system prepared by the technique of this invention can be used in the polymerization of isoprene monomer into polyisoprene rubber that is clear (transparent) and of high purity. This invention more specifically discloses a process for the synthesis of polyisoprene rubber which comprises polymerizing isoprene monomer in the presence of a neodymium catalyst system, wherein the neodymium catalyst system is prepared by (1) reacting a neodymium carboxylate with an organoaluminum compound in the presence of isoprene for a period of about 10 minutes to about 30 minutes to produce neodymium-aluminum catalyst component, and (2) subsequently reacting the neodymium-aluminum catalyst component with a dialkyl aluminum chloride for a period of at least 30 minutes to produce the neodymium catalyst system.

Abstract: A method for block copolymerization of a conjugated diene and an aromatic vinyl compound, which comprises the steps of carrying out homopolymerization of the conjugated diene in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising the following components: (A) a metallocene type complex of a rare earth metal compound, and (B) an ionic compound composed of a non-coordinate anion and a cation and/or an aluminoxane, and then adding the aromatic vinyl compound, and a catalyst composition for polymerization of a conjugated diene or copolymerization of a conjugated diene and an aromatic vinyl compound, which comprises the following components: (D) a neodymium complex, and (B) an ionic compound composed of a non-coordinate anion and a cation and/or an aluminoxane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the copolymerisation of conjugated diolefins with non-conjugated olefins in the presence of rare earth metal catalysts. The advantages of the process according to the invention are in particular the high selectivity, good space-time yield and the possibility of being able to vary the reaction conditions within a wide range.

Abstract: This invention provides a high-molecular-weight, sterically regulated methacrylic polymer having high stereoregularity, a narrow distribution of molecular weights, and a high molecular weight, comprising methacrylates as units containing triphenyl amino groups etc. in side chains.

Abstract: A catalyst composition for polymerization of a conjugated diene or copolymerization of a conjugated diene and an aromatic vinyl compound, which comprises the following components: (A) a metallocene-type complex of a rare earth metal compound (samarium complex etc.), and (B) an ionic compound composed of a non-coordinate anion and a cation (triphenylcarbonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl) borate etc.) and/or an aluminoxane. The catalyst composition producing a polymer having a high cis-1,4-configuration content in the microstructure and a narrow molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a technique for synthesizing rubbery non-tapered, random, copolymers of 1,3-butadiene and isoprene. These rubbery copolymers exhibit an excellent combination of properties for utilization in tire sidewall rubber compounds for truck tires. By utilizing these isoprene-butadiene rubbers in tire sidewalls, tires having improved cut growth resistance can be built without sacrificing rolling resistance. Such rubbers can also be employed in tire tread compounds to improve tread wear characteristics and decrease rolling resistance without sacrificing traction characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides an olefin polymer having a narrow molecular weight distribution and a specific molecular weight, an olefin polymer having a functional group introduced at the terminal, a tapered polymer containing a segment wherein monomer composition continuously changes in the polymer chain, an olefin polymer having different segments which are bonded to each other, and a process for preparing these polymers. The olefin polymers of the invention are polymers of olefins of 2 to 20 carbon atoms and have a number-average molecular weight of not less than 500 and Mw/Mn of not more than 1.5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst system for gas phase polymerization of conjugated dienes, consisting of a rare earth compound, an aluminum organic compound, a further Lewis acid, optionally a conjugated diene, an inert inorganic or organic support and a co-catalyst applied to an inorganic support, in order to improve the flowability of rubber thus produced.

Abstract: The present invention provides to a catalytic system, its method for preparation, and a method for preparation of a copolymer of ethylene and a conjugated diene, which uses this catalytic system. A catalytic system according to the invention comprises: an organometallic complex compound, which is represented by one formula A or B:  in which Ln represents a metal of a lanthanide, the atomic number of which is between 57 and 71; X represents a halogen, which can be chlorine, fluorine, bromine or iodine; and Cp1 and Cp2 each comprise a cyclopentadienyl or fluorenyl group, which is or is not substituted, and P is a bridge corresponding to the formula MR2, in which M is an element of column IVA of Mendeleev's periodic classification, and R is an alkyl group comprising from 1 to 20 atoms of carbon; and a co-catalyst selected from among a magnesium alkyl, a lithium alkyl, an aluminium alkyl, or a Grignard's reagent, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a diene polymer having a trans content of from about 10 to about 30% by the polymerization of a diene monomer in the presence of a two-component catalyst system comprising a rare-earth metal catalyst and a Lewis acid co-catalyst.

Abstract: Olefins are polymerized by novel transition metal complexes of selected iminocarboxylate and iminoamido ligands, sometimes in the presence of cocatalysts such as alkylaluminum compounds or neutral Lewis acids. Olefins which may be (co)polymerized include ethylene, &agr;-olefins, and olefins containing polar groups such as olefinic esters for example acrylate esters. Also described are certain “Zwitterionic” transition metal complexes as polymerization catalysts for making polar copolymers. The resulting polymers are useful as thermoplastics and elastomers.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards the formation of polymers and copolymers using late transition metal polymerization catalyst complexes which are formed in situ. In the first process step of the instant invention, a composition having the formula MXZn is simultaneously contacted with a ligand and an activating cocatalyst.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a catalyst based on rare earth metal compounds which consists of a rare earth metal compound, an organic aluminum compound and a trihalosilane, of a process for the production thereof and of the use of the catalyst for polymerizing conjugated dienes to form high molecular weight polybutadienes.

Abstract: The block copolymers according to the invention which are based on conjugated diolefins and polar monomers and are prepared in the presence of catalysts based on the rare earth metals have a high cis-1,4 content in the polydiene block and, because of their polar polymer part and their non-polar diene polymer part, can be used as agents which impart compatibility in the preparation of vulcanizates with a filler content for the production of tires and tire components, as a filler in the preparation of such vulcanizates, and as a blend component in the preparation of thermoplastic elastomers or in the modification of thermoplastics.

Abstract: The invention is related to a novel compound represented by NdHA4 wherein A is a carboxylate, and to a diene polymerization catalyst using the novel compound. NdHA4 has monomeric structure and does not contain water, bases and salts. NdHA4 is mixed with a halogen compound and an organic metal compound to prepare a catalyst system. The catalyst system in the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene (BD) or isoprene produces high cis polydiene with a high activity (100 g BD/4.0×10−5 mole Nd) and without gel formation. The polydiene thus obtained is useful for tires and golf balls and as a polystyrene modifier.

Abstract: A new process for the preparation of neodymium neodecanoate, which is utilized as the metallic component, in a new process for the preparation of three-component homogeneous catalytic systems. The invention also deals with a solution polymerization process for the preparation of polybutadiene with a high content of the 1,4-cis units.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel metal complex which, when used with an activating cocatalyst, provides a novel catalyst composition. The invention also provides a polymerization method which utilizes the catalyst composition to produce polymers and copolymers containing polar monomer groups. More specifically, the invention comprises a composition comprising the formula LMXZn wherein X is selected from the group consisting of halides, hydride, triflate, acetates, borates, C1 through C12 alkyl, C1 through C12 alkoxy, C3 through C12 cycloalkyl, C3 through C12 cycloalkoxy, aryl, thiolates, carbon monoxide, cyanate, olefins, and any other moiety into which a monomer can insert. M is selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ag, and Au. L is a nitrogen-containing bidentate ligand having more than two nitrogen atoms. Z is a neutral coordinating ligand and n equals 0, 1, or 2.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparation of high 1,4-cis polybutadiene and more particularly, to the process for preparing polybutadiene by polymerizing 1,3-butadiene monomer in the presence of a catalyst prepared by aging a mixture of a neodymium salt compound, a nickel salt compound, an organoaluminium compound and a borontrifluoride complex compound in the presence or absence of a conjugated diene compound. With much remarked catalytic activity, polybutadiene with a very high 1,4-cis content can be prepared in a high yield using a small amount of catalyst.

Abstract: A process for controlling the molecular weight (Mw) and molecular weight distribution (MWD) of polybutadiene polymerized in an otherwise gas phase process using a rare earth catalyst is provided.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing 1,3-butadiene into a low molecular weight high-cis polybutadiene is described using a catalyst system comprising: (a) a neodymium-containing compound, (b) an aluminoxane or a trialkyl aluminum compound, (c) an organoaluminum hydride, and (d) a halogen source. A blend of a high molecular weight high-cis polybutadiene and the low molecular weight high-cis polybutadiene is also disclosed for use in pneumatic tire treads. Desirably both the high and the low molecular weight polymers have high cis contents, with the low molecular weight polymer being at least 70 percent cis and the high molecular weight polymer being at least 92 percent cis. Desirably both polymers are made with a neodymium catalyst system. The blends provide a balance of properties including good snow traction, wet traction, and rolling resistance while providing a balance of good physical properties including tension at break, modulus etc.

Abstract: The present inventors has its objects to provide a polymerization catalyst component, a copper compound which can easily be synthesized and is stable. The present invention is related to a method of producing a polymer which comprises using a copper compound represented by the general formula CuXn, LCuXn or L(L′)CnXn (wherein L and L′ each represents a ligand, X represents a halogen atom or an alkoxy, thioxy, allyloxy, amino, secondary amino, tertiary amino, cyano, nitro, alkyl or allyl group, and n represents an integer of 0 to 2) as a catalyst and/or polymerization initiator in polymerizing a vinyl monomer whose polarity value e, when expressed in terms of absolute value, is not more than 1.5.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards substantially linear copolymers formed using a metal complex having the formula LMX1X2. L is a bidentate nitrogen-containing ligand with more than 2 nitrogens. M is copper, silver, or gold. X1 and X2 are independently selected from the group consisting of halogens, hydride, triflate, acetate, trifluoroacetate, perfluorotetraphenylborate, tetrafluoroborate, C1 through C12 alkyl, C1 through C12 alkoxy, C3 through C12 cycloalkyl, C3 through C12 cycloalkoxy, aryl, and any other moiety into which a monomer can insert. Such metal complexes have a tetrahedral or pseudo-tetrahedral structure and may be used with an activating cocatalyst. The invention is derived from polymers and copolymers using such catalyst compositions, especially copolymers having segments formed from olefinic monomers and monomers having at least one hydrocarbyl polar functional group.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the copolymerization of conjugated diolefins and vinyl-aromatic monomers in the presence of rare-earth catalysts and the use of the copolymers in rubber mixtures for tire applications.

Abstract: A conjugated diene polymer is produced by continuously polymerizing a conjugated diene monomer with a catalyst consisting essentially of components (1): a lanthanoid compound, (2): an aluminoxane and (3): a halogenated organometal compound, a halogenated metal compound or a halogenated organic compound in a hydrocarbon solvent containing 5-50% by weight of an aromatic hydrocarbon to obtain a conjugated diene polymer having a ratio (Mw/Mn) of weight average molecular weight (Mw) to number average molecular weight (Mn) of not more than 4.

Abstract: The invention relates to new catalysts based on compounds of the rare earth metals containing a compound of the rare earth metals, a cyclopentadiene, and an alumoxane, as well as the use of new catalysts for the polymerisation of unsaturated compounds, particularly conjugated dienes. With the new catalyst system it is possible in the polymerisation of conjugated dienes to obtain a substantially higher proportion of laterally bound vinyl groups in the polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an organometallic compound comprising a central transition metal atom and a ligand coordinated thereto having a heteroatomic ring structure, characterized in that the ligand includes at least three nitrogen atoms, three of them being bonded to the same carbon atom.

Abstract: A process for preparing syndiotactic vinylidene aromatic polymers comprising contacting one or more vinylidene aromatic monomers with a concentrated catalyst premix composition comprising a Group 4 metal complex and an activating cocatalyst.

Abstract: The present inventors has its objects to provide a polymerization catalyst component, a copper compound which can easily be synthesized and is stable.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the suspension polymerization of conjugated dienes in hydrocarbon mixtures comprising a fraction by volume greater than 80% of C4 hydrocarbons wherein polymerization is conducted in the presence of a rare earth compound, of one or more aluminum compounds, and optionally of an additional Lewis acid. The invention further relates to the polymers which can be produced according to the present invention and to the use thereof for the production of moldings of all types, particularly tires and industrial rubber products, and for blending with polystyrene (HIPS).

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of polydienes having controlled Mooney viscosity, carried out by means of catalysts based on rare earth compounds, which is characterized in that the conjugated dienes used are polymerized in the presence of from 0.005 to 80 wt. % of 1,2-dienes, based on the sum of conjugated dienes used and of 1,2-dienes used. The polydienes thus produced are used particularly in the manufacture of car tires.

Abstract: Novel compounds are disclosed comprising the skeletal unit depicted in Formula (I) wherein O is oxygen; N is nitrogen; R1 is hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterohydrocarbyl or substituted heterohydrocarbyl; R3, R4, R5 and R6 are hydrogen or hydrocarbyl or heterohydrocarbyl groups containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms and the R12 groups are independently selected from hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterocarbyl and substituted heterocarbyl; A is carbon or silicon; and r is 1 or more; M is scandium, yttrium, or a Group IV or Group V metal or a lanthanide or actinide; T is the oxidation state of M and is II or greater; X represents a monodentate atom or group covalently or ionically bonded to M; L is a mono- or bidentate molecule datively bound to M, and n is from 0 to 5.

Abstract: A modified diene elastomer prepared by a process comprising the steps of polymerizing a diolefin compound containing a conjugated double bond in a liquid phase in the presence of a cobalt compound, an organic aluminum compound containing a halogen atom, and water, to give a solution containing a diene elastomer, and reacting the diene elastomer with an elastomer-modifying compound is favorably employed for the manufacture of tire tread, particularly when it is employed in combination with silica as a filler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new catalyst based on allyl complexes of the rare earths, of general formula [(C3R15)rM1(X)2−r(D)n]+[M2(X)p(C6H5−qR2q)4−p]−  (I), to the preparation of this new catalyst, and to its use for the polymerization of unsaturated compounds, particularly of conjugated dienes, in solution and in the gas phase.

Abstract: Catalyst systems which are suitable for the polymerization of olefinically unsaturated hydrocarbons contain, as active components, A) an amidinato metal complex of the general formula A  where M is a metal from group IIIb, IVb, Vb or VIb of the Periodic Table of Elements or a metal from the lanthanide group, X is a negative leaving atom or a negative leaving group, and the radicals X may be identical or different if (n−m)>1, R1, R2 and R3 are each a C-organic or Si-organic radical, n is the valency of M in the metal complex A and m is from 1 to 5, with the proviso that n−m≧0, and, if required, B) an acceptor compound for the substituent X of the component A as an activator.

Abstract: A conjugated diene polymer is obtained by using a specified catalyst system consisting of components (a)-(d) and indicating a high polymerization activity to a conjugated diene compound. Further, a modified conjugated diene polymer is obtained by reacting with at least one specified compound selected from the group consisting of components (e)-(j).

Abstract: A process for starting a polymerization of butadiene to produce polybutadiene in a gas phase reactor having a seed bed which comprises (i) passivating the reactor and the seed bed by introducing an aluminum alkyl having a concentration ranging from about 2,000 to 20,000 ppm and (ii) feeding the catalyst and co-catalyst to the reactor before the addition of the butadiene.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel polymers and copolymers of alphaolefins produced using various Ziegler/Natta and Metallocene catalysts. Commercial production of these polymers is now possible for the first time owing to the polymer harvesting technology also disclosed herein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing polybutadiene with high 1,4-cis content (over 97%) and high conversion (over 90%) in such a manner that 1,3-butadiene is polymerized using an aging catalyst, which has high homogeneity due to its excellent solubility in non-polar solvents, resulting in producing polybutadiene having low gel content and low solution viscosity. The aging catalyst is a mixture of a neodymium compound, an organoaluminum compound and a borontrifluoride complex, which is represented by the formula I or the formula II, in the presence or absence of a small portion of conjugated diene compound:Formula I is represented byBF.sub.3 OR.sub.1 R.sub.2wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 can be the same or different, and are independent substituents, respectively which are alkyl, cycloalkyl, allyl, aryl or arylalkyl groups containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; andFormula II is represented by ##STR1## wherein R.sub.3 is an alkyl group containing from 2 to 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Complexes of lanthanides are described, which are effective in the polymerization of conjugated dienes, obtained by reacting LnX.sub.3 with at least one Lithium compound selected from:(i) Li(A), the molar ratio Li(A)/LnX.sub.3 being from 1.5 to 2.5;(ii) LiLn(A).sub.4, the molar ratio between LiLn(A).sub.4 and LnX.sub.3 being from 0.5 to 1.5;wherein Ln is selected from any of the Lanthanides; X is selected from halides, carboxylates, alcoholates, --N(R.sub.x) (R.sub.y) wherein R.sub.x and R.sub.y, the same or different, are C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl radicals;A is an allyl radical having the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5, the same or different, are selected from hydrogen and C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl radicals.

Abstract: Stable Rare Earth carboxylate liquids having high concentrations of Rare Earths and suitable for use in forming active Ziegler Natta catalysts, are prepared with stabilizing agents such as water and/or acid. The liquids comprise from about 4.5% to about 20% Rare Earth element(s). A novel process for making is disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising at least one nonvolatile acetylene alone or together with a strained cycloolefin and catalytic amounts of a catalyst for metathesis polymerization, which comprise at least one one-component catalyst from the group molybdenum compounds, tungsten compounds, niobium compounds and tantalum compounds which comprise (a) either at least two methyl groups or two monosubstituted methyl groups without .alpha. hydrogen atoms in the substituent or (b) at least one halogen and only one silylmethyl group attached to the metal. The storage-stable compositions can be polymerized by the action of actinic radiation or by short-term irradiation and subsequent thermal curing. The polymers can be used to prepare shaped articles, films, coatings and relief images.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing a styrenic polymer, especially, syndiotactic polystyrene, which comprises polymerizing a styrenic monomer by the use of (a) a transition metal compound, (b) a coordination complex compound comprising an anion in which a plurality of radicals are bonded to a metal and a cation or methylaluminoxane, (c) an alkylating agent (alkyl group-containing aluminum, magnesium or zinc compound) and (d) a reaction product between a straight-chain alkylaluminum having at least two carbon atoms and water (alkylaluminoxane). The above process is capable of simplifying the production process and producing high-performance styrenic polymer having a high degree of syndiotactic configuration in high catalytic activity without deteriorating the catalyst activity, increasing the amounts of residual metals in the objective polymer or leaving the decomposition products of the alkylaluminum therein, thereby curtailing the production cost of the objective polymer.