Abstract: A process for preparing spherical support particles used in the preparation of catalytic components for the polymerization of olefins by (a) forming an emulsion of an adduct of a Mg dihalide and a Lewis base compound in a liquid medium, and (b) cooling the emulsion by transferring it into a cooling bath containing a cooling liquid in motion wherein the cooling liquid is moving inside a tubular zone and the ratio Ve/Vref of the velocity (Ve) of the emulsion coming from step (a) to the velocity of the cooling liquid (Vref) of step (b) is between 0.25 and 4. The resulting spherical support particles have a very narrow size distribution and particularly regular morphology.

Abstract: Process for preparing a nickel/ligand catalyst in which a crude ligand mixture is contacted with at least one member selected from the group consisting of (i) a weakly acidic organic resin, (ii) a weakly basic organic resin, (iii) a high-surface-area organic resin, (iv) activated carbon, (v) aluminosilicate zeolite, (vi) a two phase solvent system for liquid-liquid extraction and (vii) a Lewis acid; recovering a solution containing a ligand of the formula (R1O)2POZOP(OR1)2; and contacting the solution with nickel chloride in the presence of a nitrile solvent and a reducing metal which is more electropositive than nickel to produce the nickel/ligand catalyst.

Abstract: A catalytic composition is obtained by mixing at least one chromium compound with at least one aryloxy compound of an element M selected from the group formed by magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium, with general formula M(RO)2-nXn, where RO is an aryloxy radical containing 6 to 80 carbon atoms, X is a halogen or a hydrocarbyl radical containing 1 to 30 carbon atoms and n is a whole number that can take values of 0 to 2, and with at least one aluminum compound selected from hydrocarbylaluminum compounds (tris(hydrocarbyl)-aluminum, chlorinated or brominated hydrocarbylaluminum compounds) and aluminoxanes. The catalytic composition can be used in an ethylene oligomerization process, in particular to produce 1-hexene.

Abstract: A process for the oligomerization of ethylene to a mixture of olefinic products having high linearity is provided, by using a catalyst comprising a reaction product of a simple divalent nickel salt; a boron hydride reducing agent; a water soluble base; a ligand selected from the group consisting of an o-dihydrocarbylphosphinobenzoic acid and alkali metal salts thereof; and a phosphite.

Abstract: A process for producing a supported metal catalyst which comprises reducing a metal halide in the liquid phase in the presence of a support material, an organic base and a reducing agent. In accordance with the process, the supported metal catalyst which comprises a metal component supported in the highly dispersed condition and exhibits high activity can be obtained easily.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing a catalyst support for polymerizing &agr;-olefins comprising the steps of: (i) reacting, in the presence of a first electron donor, a chlorine-containing organic compound and a prior mixture of an alkylmagnesien and an aluminoxane and/or aluminosiloxane and/or alkylaluminum and, optionally, a second electron donor; and (ii) activating a product from step (i) in suspension in an inert liquid by means of an activation electron donor, together with the support thus obtained, a catalyst for polymerizing &agr;-olefins, comprising this catalyst support and a group IV transition metal halide, and a process for polymerizing &agr;-olefins, particularly propylene, comprising contacting the &agr;-olefin with the catalyst.

Abstract: An (R) or (S) chiral diphosphine of formula (I): wherein R and R1, which can be identical or different, represent an optionally saturated C1-10 alkyl group, an optionally saturated C3-9 cycloalkyl group, a C5-10 aryl group, the groups being optionally substituted by a halogen, a hydroxy, a C1-5 alkoxy, an amino, a sulfino, a sulonfyl, with R4 representing an alkyl, an alkoxy or an alkylcarbonyl, the alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl groups optionally including one or more heteroatoms, or R and R1 together represent an optionally saturated C2-6 substituted alkyl group, an optionally saturated C3-9 cycloalkyl group, a C5-10 aryl group, the cycloalkyl or aryl groups being optionally substituted by a C1-5 alkyl, a halogen, a hydroxy, a C1-5 alkoxy, an amino, a sulfino, a sulonfyl, with R4 representing an alkyl, an alkoxy or an alkylcarbonyl, the alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl groups optionally including one or more heteroatoms, R2 and R3, which can be identical or different, represent an optionally saturated C3-

Abstract: Organolead compounds such as tetraethyllead are useful in catalyst compositions for the oxidative carbonylation of hydroxyaromatic compounds to diaryl carbonates. They are employed in combination with a Group 8, 9, or 10 metal such as palladium, or a compound thereof, and a bromide or chloride such as tetraethylammonium bromide.

Abstract: Processes of forming a supported activated catalyst composition and method of polymerization are disclosed, the process of forming the composition including combining a halogenated aromatic aluminum activator compound with a fluorinated support and a catalyst to form a supported activated catalyst composition. Also disclosed is a supported activated catalyst composition, comprising the reaction product of a fluorinated support, a perfluorophenyl aluminum activator and in one embodiment a metallocene catalyst. In one embodiment, the halogenated aromatic aluminum activator is represented by the formula RnAl(ArHal)3-n, wherein ArHal is a halogenated aryl group, R is a monoanionic ligand, and n is 1 or 2.

Abstract: Novel active catalyst compositions comprising a compound or mixture of compounds represented by the formula SbFXmY4−m a complex of such a compound or mixture of such compounds being represented by the formula R.SbFXmY4−m or a combination of such compounds and complexes where in each formula, X is an anionic moiety, Y is an anion or anions resulting from the deprotonation of an active hydrogen-containing compound(s), m is 0 to 3 and R is one or more active hydrogen containing compound acting as molecules of solvation. The catalyst compositions are useful to promote alkoxylation reactions.

Abstract: A catalytic composition comprising at least one nickel compound mixed or complexed with at least one tertiary phosphine or a phosphite carrying a functional group, at least partly dissolved in a non-aqueous medium with an ionic nature resulting from bringing at least one aluminum halide into contact with at least one quaternary ammonium halide and/or at least one quaternary phosphonium halide, is useful for dimerizing, co-dimerizing and oligomerizing olefins. Functional groups include, but are not limited to, an amine, a cyclic amine, a nitrogen-containing heterocycle, an ester, an acid, an alcohol, a quaternary ammonium, a quaternary phosphonium, a sulfonium, a sulfonate or a phosphonate group.

Abstract: The ionic liquids according to the invention result from the reaction of a halogenated or oxyhalogenated Lewis acid based on titanium, niobium, tantalum, tin or antimony with an organic salt of formula X+A− in which A− is a halide anion and X+ a quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium or ternary sulphonium cation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to MgCl2.mROH.nH2O adducts, where R is a C1-C10 alkyl, 2≦m≦4.2, 0≦n≦0.7, characterized by an X-ray diffraction spectrum in which, in the range of 2&thgr; diffraction angles between 5° and 15°, the three main diffraction lines are present at diffraction angles 2&thgr; of 8.8±0.2°, 9.4±0.2° and 9.8±0.2°, the most intense diffraction lines being the one at 2&thgr;=8.8±0.2°, the intensity of the other two diffraction lines being at least 0.2 times the intensity of the most intense diffraction line. Catalyst components obtained from the adducts of the present invention are capable to give catalysts for the polymerization of olefins characterized by enhanced activity and stereospecificity with respect to the catalysts prepared from the adducts of the prior art.

Abstract: A process for producing an acrylic polymer capable of providing a polymer controlled in molecular weight and free of colorization, and a heterogeneous polymerization catalyst used in the process for producing an acrylic polymer are provided. The heterogeneous polymerization catalyst contains (A) a radical generating substance, (B) a metallic halide containing a metallic element selected from the group consisting of the Group 4 to Group 12 elements and a halogen element selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and iodine, and (C) a carrier carrying a ligand capable of forming a coordination bond with the metallic halide (B). The process for producing an acrylic polymer contains a step of polymerizing a monomer containing at least an acrylate and/or a methacrylate in the presence of the heterogeneous polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: Hydroxyaromatic compounds such as phenol are carbonylated with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a Group VIIIB metal, preferably palladium; an iodide salt, preferably sodium iodide; and at least one organic bisphosphine such as 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane or 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane. The catalyst system also preferably contains a compound of cerium or lead.

Abstract: Compositions including one or more anionic polymerization initiators and one or more additives for improving functionalizing efficiency of living polymer anions are disclosed. The present invention also provides compositions including one or more electrophiles and one or more additives for improving functionalizing efficiency of living polymer anions. Novel electrophiles and processes for improving polymer anion functionalization efficiencies are also disclosed. The additives are generally alkali metal halides or alkoxides, and the initiators are generally organs alkali metal compounds, particularly alkyl lithium compounds.

Abstract: Functionalized amine derivatives are prepared by reacting an amine, a carbonyl derivative, and an organoboron compound under mild conditions. Organoboronic acids react with amines and alpha-hydroxy aldehydes to give anti-alpha-amino alcohols with very high diastereoselectivities (>99% de). When optically pure alpha-hydroxy aldehydes are used in this process, no racemization occurs and the products are obtained with very high enantioselectivities (>99% ee). The reaction also works with unprotected glyceraldehyde to give the corresponding amino diol derivatives, while unprotected carbohydrates give the corresponding amino polyols. The chiral amino alcohol products of this process or their derivatives, react further with metals or non-metals to give adducts that are effective catalysts for a variety of asymmetric reactions. Overall, the present invention relies on the facile synthesis of the chiral amino alcohol ligands for the rapid construction of combinatorial libraries of chiral catalysts.

Abstract: A metal oxide catalyst precursor composition comprises a pore former and a catalyst reagent.

Abstract: A carbonylation catalyst useful for producing esters and carboxylic acids from reactants including lower alkyl alcohols, lower alkyl alcohol generating compositions such as ether and ester derivatives of the alcohols, and mixtures thereof in a vapor phase carbonylation process, said catalyst includes a solid component having a catalytically effective amount of platinum and tin associated with a solid catalyst support material and a vaporous halide promoter component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of polyether polyols by the reaction of alkylene oxides and compounds containing active hydrogens, in the presence of specific Lewis acid metal compounds as catalysts, novel bis(perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid) compounds of Group 13 of the Periodic Table of the Elements, and to a process for the preparation thereof and the use thereof as catalysts for ring-opening polymerization of cyclic ethers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid catalyst component for the polymerization of olefins CH2═CHR in which R is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon radical with 1-12 carbon atoms, comprising Mg, Ti, halogen and an electron donor selected from substituted succinates of a particular formula. Said catalyst components when used in the polymerization of olefins, and in particular of propylene, are capable to give polymers in high yields and with high isotactic index expressed in terms of high xylene insolubility.

Abstract: A process for producing a supported metal catalyst which comprises reducing a metal halide in the liquid phase in the presence of a support material, an organic base and a reducing agent. In accordance with the process, the supported metal catalyst which comprises a metal component supported in the highly dispersed condition and exhibits high activity can be obtained easily.

Abstract: Novel active catalyst compositions comprising a compound or mixture of compounds represented by the formula SbFXmY4−m a complex of such a compound or mixture of such compounds being represented by the formula R·SbFXmY4−m or a combination of such compounds and complexes where in each formula, X is an anionic moiety, Y is an anion or anions resulting from the deprotonation of an active hydrogen-containing compound(s), m is 0 to 3 and R is one or more active hydrogen containing compound acting as molecules of solvation. The catalyst compositions are useful to promote alkoxylation reactions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new improved catalyst to produce random copolymers of one or more iso-olefin monomers and one or more para-alkylstyrene monomers. The invention also relates to an improved continuous slurry polymerization process to produce random copolymers using the improved catalyst system. The process is carried out in an anhydrous polymerization system containing a mixture of the monomers in a polar solvent along with a Lewis acid and a stabilizing initiator.

Abstract: Metal cyanide catalyst dispersions in initiator compounds are prepared by precipitating the catalyst in an inert organic compound, mixing the resulting slurry with the initiator and stripping off the inert organic compound. Using this method, an active alkylene oxide polymerization catalyst is prepared. It is not necessary to use a separate organic complexing agent in the preparation.

Abstract: A process for the production of a magnesium chloride powder for use in a catalyst, the process comprising vaporizing magnesium chloride in a plasma torch and quenching the vapor with a liquid containing an electron donor to form a magnesium chloride-based powder catalyst wherein at least 80% by weight of the magnesium chloride is present as the hexagonal phase thereof. The invention also relates to a precursor for such a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a carrier used in olefin polymerization catalysts, comprising suspending anhydrous magnesium chloride in an inert hydrocarbon solvent and then under stirring, activating the magnesium chloride with a C2-C8 alcohol at a temperature of 30° C. to 200° C., with the molar ratio of said alcohol to said magnesium chloride being in the range of 0.05 to 2.5. Moreover, in order to make the resultant catalysts more active, the process according to the present invention can further include a pre-dispersing step conducted prior to the activation step, wherein the dispersing agent is alkoxides of titanium or C3-C8 alcohols and the molar ratio of said dispersing agent to said magnesium chloride is 0.01 to 2.0. The catalyst prepared from the resultant carrier is suitable for polymerizing ethylene or compolymerizing ethylene with alpha-olefin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polynuclear &agr;-diimine Ni(II) complex used as the precursor of the catalyst in polymerizing polyolefine, represented by the following formula: 1

Abstract: The present invention relates to MgCl2.mROH.nH2O adducts, where R is a C1-C10 alkyl, 2≦m≦4.2, and 0≦n≦0.7, characterized by a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) profile in which no peaks are present at temperatures below 90° C. or, if peaks are present below said temperature, the fusion enthalpy associated with said peaks is less than 30% of the total fusion enthalpy. Catalyst components obtained from the adducts of the present invention are capable to give catalysts for the polymerization of olefins characterized by enhanced activity and stereospecificity with respect to the catalysts prepared from the adducts of the prior art.

Abstract: The present invention is a two-component catalyst system comprising (a) an alkyl magnesium (MgR2) component and (b) a Lewis acid component. The catalyst system is used for catalyzing the oligomerization and polymerization of ethylene and/or &agr;-olefins to form homopolymers and copolymers. The products range from highly linear, high molecular weight, solid polymers to highly branched, lower molecular weight oils.

Abstract: A homogenous catalyst is prepared by reacting a ruthenium or molybdenum carbene catalyst of formula (I): in a non-reactive organic solvent or solvent mixture with a bicyclic olefin of formula (II): wherein X is O, NR1, C(R1)2, S, POR6, or PR6; R1 and R2 independently of each other, are H, (C1-C8)-alkyl, (C2-C8)-alkenyl, (C2-C8)-alkynyl, (C6-C18)-aryl, (C7-C19)-aralkyl, (C3-C18)-heteroaryl, (C4-C19)-heteroaralkyl, (C3-C8)-cycloalkyl, (C3-C8)-cycloalkenyl, (C6-C18)-aryl-(C1-C8)-alkyl, (C3-C18)-heteroaryl-(C1-C8)-alkyl, (C3-C8) -cycloalkyl-(C1-C8)-alkyl, or (C1-C8)-alkyl-(C3-C8)-cycloalkyl, or form together an ═O group; R3 and R4, independently of each other are OR1, SR1, NR12, OR7, SR7, or NR1R7 provided that at least one residue R3 or R4 bears a group R7, R6 is R1, provided that R6 is not H; R7 is a catalytically active group, and optionally with a further olefinic compound (III).

Abstract: A catalyst of the formula (1) for the synthesis of alkylene carbonate by reacting alkylene oxide and carbon dioxide LmMXn  (1) wherein L is selected from a group of pyridines; M is a metal atom selected from Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb and In; X is a halogen atom selected from Cl, Br and I; m is 1 or 2, and n is 2 or 3.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising A) a stationary acid component selected from the group consisting of a perfluorinated ion exchange polymer on an inert support, a silane modified perfluorosulfonic acid, and a sulfated metal oxide; and B) a mobile acid component selected from the group consisting of chlorosulfonic acid, fluorosulfonic acid, a fluorinated monosulfonic acid, a fluorinated sulfonimide, a fluorinated disulfonic acid, and an adjunct acid mixture is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a complex product containing magnesium, halogen and alkoxy, which has the following composition: MgpXq(OR)2p-q wherein X is a halogen, R is an alkyl group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, p is from 2 to 20 and q is from 1 to (2p−1). More specifically the complex product is a complex of the formula MgCl2.[Mg(OR)2]2 wherein R is an alkyl having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms. The complex is soluble in non-polar solvents and can be used in the preparation of transition metal components of Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cis-bridged metal complex of the formula (I) where R5 is an electron-withdrawing radical, and catalyst systems based on these complexes for copolymerizing carbon monoxide and olefinically unsaturated compounds.

Abstract: Compositions including one or more anionic polymerization initiators and one or more additives for improving functionalizing efficiency of living polymer anions are disclosed. The present invention also provides compositions including one or more electrophiles and one or more additives for improving functionalizing efficiency of living polymer anions. Novel electrophiles and processes for improving polymer anion functionalization efficiencies are also disclosed.

Abstract: Ionic liquids function as the initiator or as a co-solvent for the production of very high molecular weight polyisobutylenes, e.g., having a weight-average molecular weight over 100,000. These ionic liquids may be characterized by the general formula A+B− where A+ represents any stable inorganic or organic cation and B− represents any stable organic or inorganic anion.

Abstract: A catalyst for trimerization of ethylene is disclosed which comprises (a) a chromium complex having a neutral multidentate ligand having a tripod structure, represented by the formula, ACrJnQ3-n wherein A is a neutral multidentate ligand having a tripod structure, J is a carbonyl ligand or halogen, n is an integer of 0-3, and Q is at least one member selected from hydrogen, a C1-C10 hydrocarbon group, a C1-C10 carboxylate group, a C3-C10 diketonato group, an amide group, an imide group, an C1-C10 alkoxide group, a C1-C10 thioalkoxide group, an C6-C15 arene ligand, an C2-C10 alkene ligand, an C2-C15 alkyne ligand, an amine ligand, an imine ligand, an isonitrile ligand, a phosphine ligand, a phosphine oxide ligand, a phosphite ligand, an ether ligand, a sulfide ligand, a sulfone ligand and a sulfoxide ligand, and (b) a metal alkyl compound.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods of making a series of amine-containing organic compounds which are used as ligands for group 3-10 and lanthanide metal compounds. The ligands have electron-withdrawing groups bonded to them. The metal compounds, when combined with a cocatalyst, are catalysts for the polymerization of olefins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of MgCl2.pROH.qH2O adducts, where R is a C1-C10 alkyl, 1≦p≦6, and 0≦q≦1, comprising the steps of (a) dispersing magnesium dichloride in an inert liquid, (b)adding the alcohol in vapour phase and maintaining the temperature at values allowing the adduct to be melted, (c)emulsifying the molten adduct in a liquid medium immiscible with and chemically inert to said adduct and, (d) contacting the adduct with an inert cooling liquid.

Abstract: This invention relates to new metallocenes with mixed substituents and enhanced activity, methods of producing metallocene compounds, and the use of metallocenamide halides for generating an active catalyst system for (co)polymerization reactions.

Abstract: Transition metal imine complexes can be prepared by reacting the imine precursors, a carbonyl compound and a primary amine, in the presence of a selected transition metal compound. The complexes may be used as catalysts for olefin polymerization.

Abstract: Particulate magnesium ethoxide having a high coarse particle content can be obtained in a simple and economical manner by the present invention, which provides a process for preparing particulate magnesium ethoxide having a coarse grain content, and includes reacting metallic, optionally activated, magnesium with liquid ethanol under pressure at a temperature above 78° C. The present invention also relates to particulate magnesium ethoxide having a coarse grain content, which contains: <40% by weight of a screening fraction ≦500 &mgr;m and ≧60% by weight of a screening fraction >500 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A constrained geometry single-site olefin polymerization catalyst is described. The catalyst comprises an activator and an organometallic compound that includes a Group 3 to 10 transition or lanthanide metal, M, and a multidentate ligand characterized by an indolyl group that is covalently linked to an amido group, wherein the indolyl group is &pgr;-bonded to M and the amido group is &sgr;-bonded to M. The indolyl-amido ligand is formed from readily available organic compounds and allows easy synthesis of a constrained geometry catalyst system.

Abstract: An acetal, wherein the acetal is 2,2-di(tetrahydrofurfuryloxy)propane as well as processed for producing the acetal and methods of using the acetal.

Abstract: The (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanions of aluminum, gallium, and indium are novel weakly coordinating anions which are highly fluorinated. (Polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanions of one such type contain at least one ring substituent other than fluorine. These (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanions of aluminum, gallium, and indium have greater solubility in organic solvents, or have a coordinative ability essentially equal to or less than that of the corresponding (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanion of aluminum, gallium, or indium in which the substituent is replaced by fluorine. Another type of new (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanion of aluminum, gallium, and indium have 1-3 perfluorinated fused ring groups and 2-0 perfluorophenyl groups.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of a gel-free hydrocarbon solution containing a lanthanide rare earth series compound by dissolving or synthesizing a lanthanide compound in an inert hydrocarbon solvent with a Lewis acid in an amount sufficient to prevent formation of highly viscous solutions. The present invention is also directed to the use of the gel-free Ln solutions formed by the recited process as co-catalysts for the polymerization of dienes. The Lewis acid is a group 2, 12, 13, 14 or 15 halide or organohalide, or a transition metal halide, excluding aluminum trialkyls.

Abstract: A heterogeneous catalyst composition suitable for olefinic polymerization and to methods of forming polyolefinic products using said composition. The catalyst composition comprises an anionic metalloid silane modified inorganic oxide and the cationic remnant of a transition metal bidentate or tridentate compound represented by the formula: T—[—SiR′R″ODM(Q)3]a−n[Cat]b+m wherein each of the symbols above is defined within the subject application.

Abstract: A composition, comprising (a) a compound of formula I (R1R2R3P)xLyM2+Z1−Z2−   (I), wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each independently of one another H, C1-C20alkyl, C1-C20-alkoxy; C4-C12cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6haloalkyl or C1-C6alkoxy; C4-C12cycloalkoxy which is unsubstituted or substituted by C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6haloalkyl or C1-C6alkoxy; C6-C16aryl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C1-C6alkyl, C1-C6haloalkyl or C1-C6alkoxy; C6-Cl6aryloxy which is unsubstituted or substituted by C1-C6alkyl, C1-C6haloalkyl or C1-C6alkoxy; C7-C16-aralkyloxy which is unsubstituted or substituted by C1-C6alkyl, C1-C6haloalkyl or C1-C6alkoxy; or C7-C16aralkyloxy which is unsubstituted or substituted by C1-C6alkyl, C1-C6-haloalkyl or C1-C6alkoxy; or R2 and R3 together are tetra- or pentamethylene which is unsubstituted or substituted by C1-C6alkyl, C1-C6haloalkyl or C1-C6alkoxy; tetra- or pentamethylenedioxyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C1-C6al

Abstract: A ruthenium-containing metathesis catalyst system which contains a ruthenium compound (A), a phosphorus, arsenic, or antimony compound (B), and a compound (C) containing at least one carbon-to-carbon triple bond. The mole ratio of compounds A:B:C is typically in the range of about 1.0:0.01-100:0.01-500. The ruthenium compound (A) is a Ru(II), Ru(III), or Ru(IV) compound containing an anionic ligand (X) and optionally an arene ligand and optionally a phosphorus, arsenic, or antimony compound ligand. The compound (B) is optional if the ruthenium compound (A) contains a phosphorus-, arsenic-, or antimony-containing ligand. Hydrogen gas is used as an activator. A process for metathesis of olefins involves reacting at least one olefin with the catalyst system described herein.