Abstract: Novel catalytic compositions are disclosed comprising symmetrical metallocene catalytic compounds. Also disclosed are uses of such catalytic compositions in olefin polymerisation reactions, as well as processes for polymerising olefins. When compared with prior art compositions, the catalytic compositions of the invention are markedly more active in the polymerisation of olefins.

Abstract: Novel catalytic compositions are disclosed comprising novel unsymmetrical metallocene catalytic compounds. Also disclosed are uses of such catalytic compositions in olefin polymerisation reactions, as well as processes of polymerising olefins. When compared with the prior art compositions, the catalytic compositions of the invention are markedly more active in the polymerisation of olefins.

Abstract: Novel unsymmetrical metallocene catalytic compounds of formula (I) are disclosed, as well as catalytic compositions comprising compounds of formula (I). Also disclosed are uses of such catalytic compounds and compositions in olefin polymerisation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new process for the synthesis of 2,3,4,5,6,7-substituted indenes, which are useful precursors for the formation of certain ansa-metallocene catalysts.

Abstract: Layered double hydroxides having a high surface area (at least 125 m2/g) and the formula (I) [Mz+1-xM?y+x(OH)2]a+(Xn-)a/n+bH2O.c(AMO-solvent)??(I) wherein M and M? are different and each is a charged metal cation (and must be present), z=1 or 2; y=3 or 4, 0<x<0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the oligomerisation of ethylene which comprises contacting ethylene with a transition metal-permethylpentalene complex, and a transition metal compound utilized therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synergistic dual olefin copolymerization catalyst system comprising a solid support material having, on its surface, two or more catalytic metal complexes wherein the two or more catalytic metal complexes comprise at least one first transition metal complex and a second transition metal complex different from the first transition metal complex; use of such a system as a catalyst; a process for producing a polymer of an olefin utilizing the catalyst system.

Abstract: Novel Si-bridged metallocene catalysts of formula I defined herein are disclosed, as well as their use in olefin polymerisation reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound having the formula LaM(OR1)bR2cXd wherein M is a metal selected from Ti, Zr and Hf; L is a ligand selected from permethylpentalene, (hydro)permethyl-pentalene, (hydro)pentalene, cyclopentadiene, indene and ethylene- or silane-bridged indene, preferably (bis)indene; R1 is a 1-6C alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, or a substituted or unsubstituted phenylalkylene group; R2 is Me or Et; X is halogen; a=1 to 3, b=1 to 3, c=0 or 1 and d=0, 1, 2 or 3; and dimers thereof, the use of the compound as an initiator in the polymerisation of lactide monomer and a process for producing a polylactide performed by contacting a lactide monomer with the compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process A process for modifying a layered double hydroxide (LDH), the process comprising, a. providing a material comprising a layered double hydroxide of formula: [Mz+1-xM?y+x(OH)2]q+(Xn?)q/n.bH2O wherein M and M? are metal cations, z is 1 or 2, x is 0.1 to 1, b is 0 to 5, y is 3 or 4, X is an anion, n is 1 to 3 and q is determined by x, y and z, b. optionally washing the material at least once with a mixture of water and a mixing solvent miscible with water, and c.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for modifying a layered double hydroxide (LDH), the process comprising a. providing a material comprising a layered double hydroxide of formula: [Mz+1-xM?y+x(OH)2]q+(Xn?)q/n.bH2O wherein M and M? are metal cations, z is 1 or 2, x is 0.1 to 1, b is 0 to 5, y is 3 or 4, X is an anion, n is 1 to 3 and q is determined by x, y and z; b. optionally washing the material at least once with a mixture of water and a mixing solvent miscible with water; and c. washing the material obtained in a. or b. at least once with at least one first solvent, the first-solvent being miscible with water and having a solvent polarity P? in the range of 3.8 to 9 to obtain a modified layered double hydroxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a catalyst support comprising a layered double hydroxide (LDH), the process comprising, a) providing a water-wet layered double hydroxide of formula: [Mz+1-xM?y+x(OH)2]a+(Xn?)a/r.bH2O??(1) wherein M and M? are metal cations, z=1 or 2; y=3 or 4, x is 0.1 to 1, preferably x<1, more preferably x=0.1-0.9, b is 0 to 10, X is an anion, r is 1 to 3, n is the charge on the anion and a is determined by x, y and z, preferably a=z(1?x)+xy?2 b) maintaining the layered double hydroxide water-wet, c) contacting the water-wet layered double hydroxide with at least one solvent, the solvent being miscible with water and preferably having a solvent polarity (P?) in the range 3.8 to 9; and d) thermally treating the material to produce a catalyst support, a process for producing a solid catalyst, a polymerization catalyst as well as the use of an olefin polymerization catalyst in a polymerization process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for modifying a layered double hydroxide (LDH), the process comprising, a. providing a water-wet layered double hydroxide of formula: [Mz+1-xM?y+x(OH)2]a+(Xn-)a/r.bH2O??(1) wherein M and M? are metal cations, z=1 or 2; y=3 or 4, x is 0.1 to 1, preferably x<1, more preferably x=0.1-0.9, b is 0 to 10, X is an anion, r is 1 to 3, n is the charge on the anion X and a is determined by x, y and z, preferably a=z(1?x)+xy?2; b. maintaining the layered double hydroxide water-wet, and c. contacting the water-wet layered double hydroxide with at least one solvent, the solvent being miscible with water and preferably having a solvent polarity (P?) in the range 3.8 to 9, as well as to a layered double hydroxide prepared according to that process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel metallocene catalysts of formula I, which is defined herein. The present invention also provides processes for making these catalysts and their use in olefin polymerisation reactions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for modifying a layered double hydroxide (LDH), the process comprising a. providing a material comprising a layered double hydroxide of formula: [Mz+1-xM?y+x(OH)2]q+(Xn?)q/n.bH2O wherein M and M? are metal cations, z is 1 or 2, x is 0.1 to 1, b is 0 to 5, y is 3 or 4, X is an anion, n is 1 to 3 and q is determined by x, y and z; b. optionally washing the material at least once with a mixture of water and a mixing solvent miscible with water; and c. washing the material obtained in a. or b. at least once with at least one first solvent, the first—solvent being miscible with water and having a solvent polarity P? in the range of 3.8 to 9 to obtain a modified layered double hydroxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel metallocene catalysts of formula I, which is defined herein. The present invention also provides processes for making these catalysts and their use in olefin polymerisation reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the production of methanol. The process comprises the heterolytic cleavage of hydrogen by a frustrated Lewis pair comprising a Lewis acid and a Lewis base; and the hydrogenation of CO2 with the heterolytically cleaved hydrogen to form methanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the production of methanol. The process comprises the heterolytic cleavage of hydrogen by a frustrated Lewis pair comprising a Lewis acid and a Lewis base; and the hydrogenation of CO2 with the heterolytically cleaved hydrogen to form methanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel metallocene catalysts of formula I, which is defined herein. The present invention also provides processes for making these catalysts and their use in olefin polymerisation reactions.

Abstract: Olefins may be polymerised in the presence of a catalytic system comprising a metallocene and an organic aluminum compound supported on a mesoporous material to produce polyolefins. The mesoporous material comprises atoms of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Group 1, 2, 3 and 5 elements germanium, tin, lead and transition metals. The polyolefins are produced as spherulite particles of average diameter from about 5 .mu.m to about 20 .mu.m which have a distinct core and shell arrangement.