Abstract: The invention relates to a homogeneous catalyst for the production of linear alpha-olefins by oligomerisation of ethylene, consisting of a zirconium salt of organic acids and a cocatalyst which consists of alkylaluminiums and/or aluminium chloride. The activity of the catalyst, system may sometimes be raised substantially by adjusting the molar ratio of chlorine to aluminium in the cocatalyst within the range between 1.0 and 1.5. The economic viability of the production process and product purity are improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a homogeneous catalyst for the production of linear alpha-olefins by oligomerisation of ethylene, consisting of a zirconium salt of organic acids and a cocatalyst which consists of alkylaluminiums and/or aluminium chloride. The activity of the catalyst, system may sometimes be raised substantially by adjusting the molar ratio of chlorine to aluminium in the cocatalyst within the range between 1.0 and 1.5. The economic viability of the production process and product purity are improved.

Abstract: For recovering acetylene from hydrocarbons, the hydrocarbons are thermally cracked in the presence of CO.sub.2 as a diluent gas. Suitable for thermal cracking for acetylene generation is a ratio, by weight, of CO.sub.2 to hydrocarbon, of between 3:1 and 1:3, and preferably between 2:1 and 1:2. It is preferred for the CO.sub.2 to be mixed with the hydrocarbons before thermal cracking which is thereafter conducted at average reaction temperatures of between 800.degree. and 1200.degree. C., preferably between 900.degree. and 1100.degree. C. An average residence time of between 5 and 500 milliseconds (ms) of the hydrocarbons during thermal cracking has proven to be effective. As the hydrocarbon feedstock for the thermal cracking, basically C.sub.2+ alkanes, especially ethane, propane and/or butane, can be used advantageously. After the cracked gas is cooled, higher alkynes are removed from the cracked gas, then the acetylene is separated preferably by scrubbing with an absorption agent selective for acetylene.