Abstract: Allyl polyalkylcyclopentadienyl complex of a metal of group 4 of the periodic table, and its use in the preparation of a catalytic composition for the (co) polymerization of &agr;-olefins. said complex is advantageously stable in solution and rapidly forms catalytic compositions with a high activity without the necessity of effecting alkylating pretreatment.

Abstract: A polymerization catalyst for polyester production which contains neither a germanium compound nor an antimony compound as a major component. It contains aluminum as the main metallic ingredient, has excellent catalytic activity, and gives a polyester which is effectively inhibited from suffering thermal degradation, during melt molding, without deactivating or removing the catalyst, and is excellent in thermal stability, stability to thermal oxidation, and hydrolytic resistance. The polymerization catalyst contains as a first metallic ingredient at least one member selected among aluminum and compounds thereof and further contains a phosphorus compound represented by a specific chemical formula. The polyester produced with this catalyst is usable as fibers, films, sheets, various moldings including hollow moldings, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for an improved oxirane hydroformylation catalyst, the improved oxirane hydroformylation catalyst, and a one step process for preparing a 1,3-diol in the presence of such a catalyst. One process for preparing the hydroformylation catalyst involves: a) forming a complex (A) by contacting a ruthenium(0) compound with a ditertiary phosphine ligand; and b) forming a complex (B) by subjecting complex (A) to a redox reaction with a cobalt(0) carbonyl compound. This catalyst is used in a one step hydroformylation process for preparing a 1,3-diol, comprising the reaction of an oxirane with syngas at hydroformylation conditions in an inert solvent in the presence of the above hydroformylation catalyst where recovery of product is preferably accomplished via phase separation of a diol rich phase from the bulk reaction liquor.

Abstract: A catalyst composition that is the combination of or the reaction product of ingredients comprising (a) an lanthanide compound, (b) an alkylating agent, (c) a nickel-containing compound, and optionally (d) a halogen-containing compound, with the proviso that the halogen-containing compound must be present where none of the lanthanide compound, the alkylating agent, and the nickel-containing compound contain a labile halogen atom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition for polymerization of olefins and copolymerization of olefins with alpha-olefins comprising (a) catalyst precursor comprising at least one Ziegler-Natta compound, at least one metallocene compound, at least one titanate compound and/or at least one alcohol compound, a magnesium compound and a polymeric material, and (b) a cocatalyst comprising of an alkylaluminum compound, aluminoxane compound or mixtures thereof; and to a process for polymerization of olefins and copolymerization of olefins with alpha olefins using a catalyst composition according to the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a polymer by polymerizing a component containing 3,4-epoxy-1-butene in the presence of a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst and a hydroxy-functional starter and it also relates to the obtained polymers.

Abstract: A catalyst system suitable for use in the production of high cis polybutadiene is disclosed. The catalyst system includes a cobalt salt of the formulaCoAx?, where A is a monovalent or divalent anion and x is 1 or 2; an alkyl aluminum chloride compound of the structure R2AlCl, where R is an alkyl group containing 2-8 carbon atoms; a trialkyl aluminum compound of the formula R3Al, where R is an alkyl group containing 2-8 carbon atoms; and a catalytic amount of water.

Abstract: A process for making ethylene copolymers is disclosed. Ethylene copolymerizes with an &agr;-olefin in the presence of a catalyst system comprising an activator and a silica-supported, bridged indenoindolyl metal complex having “open architecture.” The supported complex incorporates comonomers with exceptional efficiency, and the process gives ethylene copolymers having high molecular weights (Mw>100K) and very low densities (<0.910 g/cm3). Open architecture catalysts that include bridging through the indolyl nitrogen of the indenoindolyl framework are also described. Additionally, supported and unsupported indeno[1,2-b]indolyl catalysts provide exceptional activities in the preparation of elastomeric polypropylene and ethylene copolymers.

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: A porous coordinatively unsaturated metal complex comprises metal complex units. Each metal complex unit includes a first metal and an organic ligand. The metal complex units are connected one another through a second metal (a connecting metal). The porous coordinatively unsaturated metal complex has voids formed by the connection. Voids have a size of 10 Å or more. The first metal is rendered to a coordinatively unsaturated state in the metal complex unit. With this arrangement, not only low-molecular weight compounds but also general compounds can be introduced as substrates. Further, the porous coordinatively unsaturated metal complex has high catalytic activity or high molecule retainability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition of a carboxylate metal salt in combination with a heated polymerization catalyst to improve the flowability and operability of the catalyst. The invention also relates to methods for preparing the catalyst composition and to its use in a polymerization process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalytic system that can be used to prepare by polymerization diene elastomers comprising polyisoprenes and polybutadienes. The invention also provides a process for the preparation of the catalytic system and to a process using the catalytic system to prepare diene elastomers comprising polyisoprenes having a high cis-1,4 linkage content and polybutadienes. The catalytic system according to the invention is based on (a) a conjugated diene monomer, (b) an organic phosphoric acid salt of a rare earth metal, (c) an alkylating agent consisting of an alkylaluminium of the formula AlR3 or HAlR2, and (d) a halogen donor consisting of an alkylaluminium halide, and is such that said salt is suspended in at least one inert and saturated aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon solvent and, the “alkylating agent:rare earth salt” molar ratio ranges from 1 to 5.

Abstract: New ligands, compositions, metal-ligand complexes and arrays with bridged bis-aromatic ligands are disclosed that catalyze the polymerization of monomers into polymers. These catalysts with metal centers have high performance characteristics, including higher comonomer incorporation into ethylene/olefin copolymers, where such olefins are for example, 1-octene, propylene or styrene. The catalysts also polymerize propylene into isotactic polypropylene.

Abstract: A process for forming a coordination catalyst system comprising substantially simultaneously contacting: (I) pre-catalyst reactants comprising (a) at least one first ligand; and (b) at least one first transition metal suitable to form at least one metallocene or constrained geometry pre-catalyst compound (e.g., rac-ethylene bis(indenyl)zirconium dichloride); and optionally (c) at least one second ligand and (d) at least one second transition metal suitable to form at least one non-metallocene, non-constrained geometry, bidentate or tridentate transition metal compound (e.g., tridentate 2,6-diacetylpyridine-bis(2,4,6-trimethylanaline)FeCl2); and (II) further contacting, jointly or individually, the pre-catalyst compound(s) and optional bidentate or tridentate compound(s) with at least one support-activator agglomerate (e.g., spray dried silica/clay agglomerate). When individually contacted, the supported catalyst components can be mixed or blended.

Abstract: A coordination catalyst system comprising at least one metallocene or constrained geometry pre-catalyst transition metal compound, (e.g., rac-ethylene bis(indenyl)zirconium dichloride), at least one non-metallocene, non-constrained geometry, bidentate transition metal compound or tridentate transition metal compound (e.g., tridentate 2,6-diacetylpyridine-bis(2,4,6-trimethylanaline)FeCl2) at least one support-activator (e.g., spray dried silica/clay agglomerate), and optionally at least one organometallic compound (e.g., triisobutyl aluminum), in controlled amounts, and methods for preparing the same. The resulting dual transition metal catalyst system is suitable for addition polymerization of ethylenically and acetylenically unsaturated monomers into polymers; for example, polymers having a broad molecular weight distribution, Mw/Mn, and good polymer morphology.

Abstract: A composition comprising a boron or aluminum containing neutral Lewis acid and a compound of formula I or Ia: wherein R1 and R2 are each independently hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, or silyl; Q is (i) C—R4, where R4 is hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heteroatom connected hydrocarbyl, or heteroatom connected substituted hydrocarbyl, (ii) P(NH2)2, or (iii) S(NH)(NH2) or S(O)(OH); L is a monoolefin or a neutral Lewis base that can be displaced by a monoolefin; T is hydrogen, hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, or with L forms a &pgr;-allyl group; and M is Ni(II), Pd(II), Co(II) or Fe(II). The composition is useful as an olefin polymerization catalyst. Also described is a process for preparing a supported catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catalyst composition suitable for a polymerization process comprising, in one embodiment, a particulate filler, mineral oil and at least one metal catalyst compound. In another embodiment, the particular filler is fumed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel one-step method for forming a supported catalyst complex of high activity by substantially simultaneously contacting a bidentate or tridentate ligand forming compound, a transition metal compound and a chromium immobilized Lewis acid support-agglomerate. The catalyst can be formed prior to polymerization of olefins or within the polymerization reaction zone.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel one-step method for forming a supported catalyst complex of high activity by substantially simultaneously contacting a bidentate or tridentate ligand forming compound, a transition metal compound and a Lewis acid support-activator agglomerate. The catalyst can be formed prior to polymerization of olefins or within the polymerization reaction zone.

Abstract: A family of novel imino-amide catalyst precursors and catalysts useful for the polymerization of olefins, such as ethylene, higher alpha-olefins, dienes, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A catalyst composition that is the combination of or the reaction product of ingredients comprising (a) an iron-containing compound, (b) a silyl phosphonate, and (c) an organoaluminum compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to new improved double-metal cyanide (DMC) catalysts for the preparation of polyether-polyols by polyaddition of alkylene oxides on to starter compounds containing active hydrogen atoms, the catalyst comprising a double-metal cyanide compound, an organic complexing ligand and 5-80 wt. %, based on the amount of catalyst, of a polyester. For the preparation of polyether-polyols, the new improved catalysts have significantly shortened induction times and at the same time a greatly increased activity.

Abstract: Mixtures of different polyolefins may be made by direct, preferably simultaneous, polymerization of one or more polymerizable olefins using two or more transition metal containing active polymerization catalyst systems, one of which contains nickel complexed to selected ligands. The polyolefin products may have polymers that vary in molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, crystallinity, or other factors, and are useful as molding resins and for films.

Abstract: A catalyst composition comprising (a) an iron-containing compound, (b) a dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite, and (c) an organoaluminum compound is disclosed for polymerizing 1,3-butadiene into syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene. The use of the catalyst composition of this disclosure avoids the use of environmentally detrimental components such as carbon disulfide and halogenated solvents. The melting temperature of the syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene can be varied from about 100 to about 200° C. by variations in the catalyst components and the component ratios. The ability to vary the melting temperature over such a broad range with a single catalyst composition is very desirable. The syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene can be used as a plastic or as an additive for rubber compositions wherein it can crosslink with conventional rubbers using conventional crosslinking agents.

Abstract: A catalyst having high activity independent of the hydrogen concentration and low gel productivity in the polymerization of ethylene has been prepared.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymerization catalyst activator compounds which include a Group 13 atom, preferably boron or aluminum, bonded to at least one heterocyclic groups. The heterocyclic group preferably contains one or more heteroatoms selected from Group 15 and/or 16, and may be unsubstituted or substituted. Preferably, the heterocyclic ligand is substituted with a halogen atom or a halogen containing group, where the halogen is preferably fluorine. Also disclosed are olefin(s) polymerization processes utilizing the invention.

Abstract: A family of novel imino-amide catalyst precursors and catalysts useful for the polymerization of olefins, such as ethylene, higher alpha-olefins, dienes, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalytic component for the polymerization of olefins combining a number of catalytic components for the polymerization of olefins and to a process for preparing it. The catalytic component according to the invention is obtained by impregnation of a prepolymer with a solution of a catalytic component for the polymerization of olefins. The invention brings about control of the combination of different catalytic components and provides for improvement in the control of the quality of the polymers manufactured by virtue of the catalytic action of the combined catalytic components. Another advantage of the invention is to be able to control the morphology and the particle size distribution of the polymers by choosing the morphology of a single catalytic component. The prepolymer and the polymer obtained from the catalytic component according to the invention are also subjects of the present invention.

Abstract: A family of novel hetrocyclic-amide type catalyst precursors useful for the polymerization of olefins, such as ethylene, higher alpha-olefins, dienes, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A catalyst composition and process for preparing norbornene-type homopolymers or copolymers. The norbornene-type homopolymers or copolymers can be prepared using an in-situ catalyst composition including: (a) a transition metal compound of ML4, wherein M is a Group 10 metal and L is a neutral electron donor ligand; (b) a hydrocarbyl halogen containing a double bond or a triple bond; and (c) a salt of a non or weakly coordinative anion that can replace a halogen bonded to a metal. The catalyst composition is in a mixing state of components (a), (b), and (c), or in a mixing state of a reaction product of components (a) and (b) together with component (c).

Abstract: A catalyst composition that is the combination of or the reaction product of ingredients comprising (a) an iron-containing compound, (b) an &agr;-acylphosphonate diester, and (c) an organoaluminum compound.

Abstract: Novel catalyst monoamide precursor compositions and the corresponding single site-like catalysts for olefin polymerization.

Abstract: The process and catalyst system of this invention can be utilized to synthesize polybutadiene rubber having a high trans content and a low melting point by solution polymerization. The trans-polybutadiene rubber made by the process of this invention can be utilized in tire tread rubbers that exhibit outstanding wear characteristics. More importantly, the trans-polybutadiene rubber of this invention can be easily processed because of its low level of crystallinity. In fact, the trans-polybutadiene made by the process of this invention does not need to be heated in a “hot-house” before being used in making rubber compounds. The process and catalyst system of this invention can also be used in the synthesis of trans-styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition and a method for making the catalyst composition of a polymerization catalyst and a carboxylate metal salt. The invention is also directed to the use of the catalyst composition in the polymerization of olefin(s). In particular, the polymerization catalyst system is supported on a carrier. More particularly, the polymerization catalyst comprises a bulky ligand metallocene-type catalyst system.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel double metal cyanide (DMC) catalysts for the preparation of polyether polyols by polyaddition of alkylene oxides to starter compounds containing active hydrogen atoms, wherein the catalyst contains a) double metal cyanide compounds, b) organic complex ligands other than c), and c) carboxylic acid ester of polyhydric alcohols. The catalysts according to the invention have greatly increased activity in the preparation of polyether polyols.

Abstract: Novel metal complexes, particularly chromium complexes, which contain at least one tridentate ligand are disclosed and prepared. Olefins, particularly ethylene, can be reacted to form butene and/or other homo- or co-oligomers and/or polymers with high &agr;-olefin concentrations by contacting a metal catalyst which contains a transition metal, particularly chromium, complexes having per metal atom at least one tridentate ligand with N, O, or N and O coordinating sites.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coordinating catalyst system comprising at least one pre-catalyst selected from late transition metal bidentate or tridentate ligand containing compounds, at least one support-agglomerate having chromium immobilized thereto (e.g., spray dried silica/clay agglomerate), and optionally at least one organometallic compound in controlled amounts, and methods for preparing the same. The resulting catalyst system exhibits enhanced activity for polymerizing olefins and yields polymer products having very good morphology.

Abstract: Catalyst systems useful for the polymerization of 1-olefins are disclosed, which contain nitrogen-containing transition metal compounds comprising the skeletal unit depicted in Formula (B), wherein M is Fe[II], Fe[III], Ru[II], Ru[III] or Ru[IV]; X represents an atom or group covalently or ionically bonded to the transition metal M; T is the oxidation state of the transition metal M and b is the valency of the atom or group X; R1, R2, R3, R4 and R6 are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterohydrocarbyl or substituted heterohydrocarbyl; R5 and R7 are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterohydrocarbyl or substituted heterohydrocarbyl.

Abstract: A phosphinimine catalyst for olefin polymerization is supported on a directly fluorided metal oxide with an aluminoxane. This catalyst is highly active for olefin polymerization in comparison to prior art catalysts which use non-fluorided metal oxide supports. The directly fluorided metal oxide may be conveniently prepared by contacting the precursor metal oxide with a simple alkali metal salt (such as NaF) in an aqueous slurry.

Abstract: Metal salts of cyclic alcohols can be used as modifiers in lithium initiated solution polymerizations of diene monomers into rubbery polymers having a low vinyl content. For instance, such initiator systems can be used in the copolymerization of styrene and isoprene to produce low vinyl styrene-isoprene rubber having a random distribution of repeat units that are derived from styrene. It is important for such polymerizations to be conducted in the absence of polar modifiers, such as Lewis bases. The subject invention more specifically discloses an initiator system which is comprised of (a) a lithium initiator and (b) a metal salt of a cyclic alcohol, wherein said initiator system is void of polar modifiers. The present invention also discloses a process for preparing a rubbery polymer having a low vinyl content which comprises: polymerizing at least one diene monomer with a lithium initiator at a temperature which is within the range of about 5° C. to about 100° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst composition and process for preparing olefin polymers. The catalyst composition includes a metallocene catalyst or a single-site catalyst, a mesoporous molecular sieve, and an aluminum-containing cocatalyst such as MAO. The cocatalyst is present in an amount such that the molar ratio of aluminum content in cocatalyst to the metal content in metallocene is from 0 to 200. When the catalyst composition is used for preparing polyolefins, the MAO amount can be decreased; thus, the production costs are greatly reduced.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the discovery of certain anionic initiator systems can be used to initiate the solution polymerization of conjugated diolefin monomers into rubbery polymers having a low vinyl content. For instance, such initiator systems can be used in the copolymerization of styrene and isoprene to produce low vinyl styrene-isoprene rubber having a random distribution of repeat units that are derived from styrene. These initiator systems are comprised of (a) a lithium initiator and (b) a member selected from the group consisting of (1) a sodium alkoxide, (2) a sodium salt of a sulfonic acid, and (3) a sodium salt of a glycol ether. It is important for the initiator system to be free of polar modifiers, such as Lewis bases.

Abstract: Catalyst precursor compounds having both (i) a polydentate ligand which comprises a cyclic moiety as well as a heteroatom and (ii) a protected hydride/hydrocarbyl ligand bonded to a metal atom, as well as olefin polymerization catalyst systems based thereupon, polymerization processes using such catalyst systems and polymers produced thereby.

Abstract: A nitrogen containing transition metal complex having Formula (I), 1

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coordinating catalyst system comprising at least one bidentate or tridentate pre-catalyst transition metal compound, (e.g., 2,6-bis (2,4,6-trimethylarylamino) pyridyl iron dichloride), at least one support-activator (e.g., spray dried silica/clay agglomerate), and optionally at least one organometallic compound (e.g., triisobutyl aluminum), in controlled amounts, and methods for preparing the same. The resulting catalyst system exhibits enhanced activity for polymerizing olefins and yields polymer having very good morphology.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the discovery that rubbery polymers having a high vinyl content and a low degree of branching can be synthesized with an initiator system that is comprised of (a) a lithium initiator selected from the group consisting of allylic lithium compounds and benzylic lithium compounds, (b) a Group I metal alkoxide, and (c) a polar modifier; wherein the molar ratio of the Group I metal alkoxide to the polar modifier is within the range of about 0.1:1 to about 10:1; and wherein the molar ratio of the Group I metal alkoxide to the lithium initiator is within the range of about 0.01:1 to about 20:1. These high vinyl polymers offer reduced levels of hysteresis and better functionalization efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metallocene catalyst supported on a molecular seive having “tubules-within-a-tubule” morphology. When the metallocene catalyst is used for preparing polyolefin, the MAO amount can be decreased to an amount such that the molar ratio of Al/Zr is below 200. Thus, production costs are greatly reduced.

Abstract: A method for preparing polybutadiene having controlled molecular weight and high 1,4-cis content over 95% in the presence of a diethylzinc compound as a cocatalyst (i.e., alkylating agent) and molecular-weight-controlling agent, in which the molecular weight of the polybutadiene is controlled by variating the added amount of the diethylzinc compound without deterioration of 1,4-cis content nor polymerization yield, thus guaranteeing the optimum processability and physical properties of polymer according to the use purpose.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transition metal catalyst, comprising a Group 8 metal and a ligand having the structure wherein R, R′ and R″ are organic groups having 1-15 carbon atoms, n=1-5, and m=0-4. The present invention is also directed to a method of forming a compound having an aromatic or vinylic carbon-oxygen, carbon-nitrogen, or carbon-carbon bond using the above catalyst. The catalyst and the method of using the catalyst are advantageous in preparation of compounds under mild conditions of approximately room temperature and pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalytic composition for the polymerization of olefins combining a number of catalytic components for the polymerization of olefins and to a process for preparing it. The catalytic component according to the invention is obtained by impregnation of a prepolymer with a solution of a catalytic component for the polymerization of olefins. The invention brings about control of the combination of different catalytic components and provides for improvement in the control of the quality of the polymers manufactured by virtue of the catalytic action of the combined catalytic components.