Abstract: A process for the production of polyethylene having a wide molecular weight distribution and good molding and good physical properties. It is produced using a catalyst consisting of components (A) and (B). Component (A) is a solid product prepared by reacting (i) the reaction product of a compound containing titanium, magnesium and halogen, and (ii) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of tetraalkoxyzirconium, zirconium tetrahalide and tetraalkoxytitanium, with an organoaluminum halide compound of the general formula: AlR.sup.1.sub.n X.sup.1.sub.3-n wherein R.sup.1 is an alkyl group, X.sup.1 is a halogen atom, and 0<n<3 or a halogen-containing titanium compound of the general formula Ti(OR.sup.2).sub.m X.sup.2 4-m, wherein R.sup.2 is an alkyl group, X.sup.2 is a halogen atom, and 0.ltoreq.m<4. Component (B) is an organoaluminum compound.

Abstract: A process for producing an improved titanium catalyst for use in the polymerization of olefins comprising heating a magnesium dialkoxide and an alcohol adduct of a magnesium dihalide to form a solid product, treating said solid product with an alcohol to form an alcohol treated solid product, and then reacting said alcohol treated solid product with a halogen-containing titanium compound. The reaction product of said alcohol treated solid product with the halogen-containing titanium compound may optionally be reacted with an organoaluminum compound. The products of the processes described in the preceding two sentences is an improved titanium catalyst which is generally used with an organoaluminum olefin polymerization cocatalyst.