Abstract: An adsorbent for regenerator systems, to a heat utilization system and a regenerator system that comprise the adsorbent, and to a ferroaluminophosphate and a method for production thereof. More precisely, the invention relates to an adsorbent favorable for regenerator systems, which efficiently utilizes the heat source obtainable from cars and the like to thereby realize efficient regenerator systems, to a regenerator system that comprises the adsorbent, to a ferroaluminophosphate to be the adsorbent favorable for regenerator systems, and to a method for production thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to chemical products which are suited for use as co-catalysts and which can be obtained by reacting a compound of formula (I), M1R1R2(R3)m with a compound of formula (II), (R4X)q-(G)*(M2R5R6)g. In formula (I), R1, R2 and R3 are the same or different and represent a hydrogen atom, C1–C20 alkyl, C1–C20 alkyl halide, C6–C20 aryl, C6–C20 aryl halide, C7–C40 arylalkyl, C7–C40 arylalkyl halide, C7–C40 alkylaryl or C7–C40 alkylaryl halide; M1 represents an element of the second or third main group of the periodic table of elements, and; m equals 0 or 1, whereby m is equal to 1 when M1 represents an element of the third main group, and m is equal to 0 when M1 represents an element of the second main group.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating cermet materials and methods of utilizing the same such as in filtering particulate and gaseous pollutants from internal combustion engines having intermetallic and ceramic phases. The cermet material may be made from a transition metal aluminide phase and an aluminia phase. The mixture may be pressed to form a green compact body and then heated in a nitrogen-containing atmosphere so as to melt aluminum particles and form the cermet. Filler materials may be added to increase the porosity or tailor the catalytic properties of the cermet material. Additionally, the cermet material may be reinforced with fibers or screens. The cermet material may also be formed so as to pass an electrical current therethrough to heat the material during use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of crystalline anionic clay-containing bodies from sources comprising a trivalent metal source and a divalent metal source comprising the steps of: a) preparing a precursor mixture containing a liquid, a divalent metal source and/or a trivalent metal source, at least one of them being insoluble in the liquid; b) shaping the precursor mixture to obtain shaped bodies; c) optionally thermally treating the shaped bodies; and d) aging the shaped bodies to obtain crystalline anionic clay-containing bodies; with the proviso that if no divalent or trivalent metal source is present in the precursor mixture of step a), such source is added to the shaped bodies after shaping step b) and before aging step d); and with the further proviso that the combined use of an aluminium source as the trivalent metal source and a magnesium source as the divalent metal source is excluded.

Abstract: Raney alloy catalysts applied to a support are described, said catalysts having an extremely thin layer of Raney alloy with a thickness of 0.01 to 100 ?m. These catalysts are prepared by vapor deposition of the appropriate metals under reduced pressure. They are generally suitable for all known hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions and are extremely abrasion-resistant.

Abstract: A process for preparing a shell-type catalyst which comprises applying to a substantially nonporous inorganic support material having a BET surface area of <80 m2/g, a catalytically active outer shell of a suspension containing at least one water soluble noble metal compound and a substantially water insoluble coating compound, drying the suspension onto the support material, and activating the coated support material in a reducing gas stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the removal of mercury from a gas stream. The method is characterized in that at a temperature above 170° C. the gas stream is contacted with a sorbent that as the active component is comprised of a mixture of substantially silica-alumina compounds and/or calcium compounds. According to a preference, the sorbent is kaolin, that may or may not be in the dehydrated form of meta-kaolin and is optionally obtained by thermal conversion of a material chosen from paper waste or residue from the paper industry. By this method it is possible to remove mercury at temperatures higher than room temperature. The invention also relates to a method for the removal of mercury from a gas stream, wherein the gas stream is contacted with a sorbent at a temperature above 50° C., which sorbent comprises as active substance a mixture of substantially silica-alumina compounds and/or calcium compounds, as well as with an oxidator.

Abstract: A new adsorbent of a porous mineral oxide material with apatite crystals, preferably hydroxyapatite crystals, in the pores of the mineral oxide material is disclosed.

Abstract: High-surface-area alumina honeycombs are subjected to a water vapor pre-treatment to obtain protection from cracking damage on subsequent exposure to aqueous media e.g., aqueous solutions for depositing catalysts on the honeycombs.

Abstract: Zinc oxide-based sorbents, and processes for preparing and using them are provided, wherein the sorbents are preferably used to remove one or more reduced sulfur species from gas streams. The sorbents contain an active zinc component, optionally in combination with one or more promoter components and/or one or more substantially inert components. The active zinc component is a two phase material, consisting essentially of a zinc oxide (ZnO) phase and a zinc aluminate (ZnAl2O4) phase. Each of the two phases is characterized by a relatively small crystallite size of typically less than about 500 Angstroms. Preferably the sorbents are prepared by converting a precursor mixture, containing a precipitated zinc oxide precursor and a precipitated aluminum oxide precursor, to the two-phase, active zinc oxide containing component.

Abstract: A sorbent composition comprising a promoter metal, zinc oxide, and a high density refractory metal oxide can be used to more effectively desulfurize a sulfur-containing fluid such as cracked-gasoline or diesel fuel.

Abstract: As-prepared AlPO4—B2O3—Na2O-based glasses were placed in an autoclave together with distilled water and were treated at 150° C. for two hours. Although the specific surface area of the as-prepared glass prior to autoclave treatment was negligibly small, the autoclave treatment dissolved most of the borate component and the sodium component to obtain a mesoporous material having a specific surface area of 236 m2/g and a pore size distribution of 5 to 10 nm. This mesoporous material is hydrophobic and has weak solid acidity and small polarity.

Abstract: Microspheroidal particles, suitable as fluidized bed catalyst supports, are prepared by incorporating a portion of small, preferably recycled, particles into a slurry of inorganic oxide sol and inorganic particles which is spray dried to form microspheroidal particles.

Abstract: Adsorbents for removing anions of a heavy metals comprise a porous carbon in which at least one oxygen-containing compound of iron, copper, and/or aluminum is incorporated. The oxygen-containing compound may be incorporated into the porous carbon by impregnation or dispersion of a suitable precursor of such a compound. The precursor may be further treated to yield the oxygen-containing compound. Such adsorbents are particularly useful for removing arsenic and/or selenium from the environment and may be used in treating drinking water sources.

Abstract: A ceramic article is disclosed which contains aluminum, silicon, and titanium in a total amount of at least 99% by weight as reduced to the oxides (Al2O3+SiO2+TiO2) and assumes an acidic color in methyl red, an indicator of at least pKa+4.8. It can be used as a carried for a catalyst. This ceramic article is obtained by mixing an aluminum compound, a silicon compound, and a titanium compound and calcining the resultant mixture at a temperature in the range of 1,000°-2,000° C. A catalyst for preparing ethylene oxide is obtained by depositing silver and a reaction promoter on the ceramic carrier and ethylene oxide is obtained by oxidizing ethylene with a molecular oxygen-containing gas in the presence of the catalyst in vapor phase.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a continuous process for the conversion of inorganic solid starting particles which either are amorphous or possess a degree of order into inorganic solid product particles which (a) when the starting particles are amorphous, possess a degree of order, or (b) when the starting particles possess a degree of order, possess a different order, a different degree of order, or no order, which product particles are suitable for use in or as a catalyst, in or as a carrier, or in or as an adsorbent, in which process the starting particles are dispersed in a liquid thus forming a suspension. The suspension flows through at least two separate conversion vessels (3) which are connected in series and the suspension is agitated in each of these vessels (3). The invention furthermore relates to an apparatus suitable for carrying out the process according to the invention. This invention allows the processing of suspension with a high Solids to Liquid Ratio.

Abstract: A ceramic honeycomb filter comprising a ceramic honeycomb structure having porous partition walls defining a plurality of flow paths for flowing an exhaust gas through the porous partition walls to remove particulates from the exhaust gas, wherein one end of each flow path is provided with a sealer, such that sealers of the flow paths in an inlet and an outlet of the ceramic honeycomb structure in a desired pattern; wherein the partition walls have thickness of 0.1-0.5 mm and a porosity of 50-80%; wherein the porosity of the sealers is larger than that of partition walls; and wherein the depth of the sealers is 3-15 mm.

Abstract: Attrition resistant, sorbent compositions for the removal of elemental sulfur and sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide and organic sulfides, from cracked-gasoline and diesel fuels are prepared by the impregnation of a sorbent support comprising zinc oxide, expanded perlite, and alumina with a promoter such as nickel, nickel oxide or a precursor of nickel oxide followed by reduction of the valence of the promoter metal in the resulting promoter metal sorbent support composition.

Abstract: A nanoporous reactive adsorbent incorporates a relatively small number of relatively larger reactant, e.g., metal, enzyme, etc., particles (10) forming a discontinuous or continuous phase interspersed among and surrounded by a continuous phase of smaller adsorbent particles (12) and connected interstitial pores (14) therebetween. The reactive adsorbent can effectively remove inorganic or organic impurities in a liquid by causing the liquid to flow through the adsorbent. For example, silver ions may be adsorbed by the adsorbent particles (12) and reduced to metallic silver by reducing metal, such as ions, as the reactant particles (10). The column can be regenerated by backwashing with the liquid effluent containing, for example, acetic acid.

Abstract: A carrier which permits preparation of a catalyst possessed of excellent catalytic performance and used for the production of ethylene oxide, a catalyst obtained by using this carrier, endowed with excellent catalytic performance, and used for the production of ethylene oxide, and a method for the production of ethylene oxide by the use of the catalyst are provided. The carrier is obtained by mixing &agr;-alumina having an alkali metal content in the range of 1-70 m.mols/kg (&agr;-alumina) with an aluminum compound, a silicon compound, and an alkali metal compound and calcining the produced mixture. The carrier which has an aluminum content as reduced to Al in the range of 0-3 mols/kg of carrier, a silicon compound content as reduced to Si in the range of 0.01-2 mols/kg of carrier, and an alkali metal content as reduced to alkali metal in the range of 0.01-2 mols/kg of carrier is used for the deposition of a catalyst for use in the production of ethylene oxide.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to sorbent compositions for removing reduced sulfur species (e.g., H2S, COS and CS2) a feed stream. The sorbent is formed from a multi-phase composition including a zinc titanate phase and a zinc oxide-aluminate phase. The sorbent composition is substantially free of unreacted alumina.

Abstract: A zeolite of the faujasite structure having a silica to alumina molar ratio (bulk) of greater than about 13, a unit cell size in the range of from 24.10 to 24.40 Å, and a surface area of at least about 875 m2/g as measured by the BET method and ASTM D4365-95 with nitrogen adsorption at p/po values of 0.02, 0.03 and 0.04, is prepared by a combination of hydrothermal and dealumination techniques, and finds use as, for example, an adsorbent for polar and non-polar materials.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure constituted by porous cell walls forming a cell group consisting of a plurality of cells, and a honeycomb outer wall surrounding and holding the outermost peripheral cells located at the circumference of the cells, a porosity is 5% to less than 30%, a basic wall thickness (Tc) of the cell walls is 0.030 mm≦Tc<0.076 mm, an average surface roughness (Ras) of the outer wall is 0.5 &mgr;m≦Ras≦10 &mgr;m, and/or an average height (RzDINs) on the surface of the outer wall from a local maximum point to a next local minimum point is 5 &mgr;m≦RzDINs≦50 &mgr;m; and a process for producing such a honeycomb structure using a raw material having a specific average diameter. The honeycomb structure satisfies requirements of improved purification ability, erosion resistance and improved canning property at a good balance.

Abstract: Granules based on aluminium oxide having the characteristics: Average grain diameter: 5.0 to 150 &mgr;m Tamped density: 300 to 1200 g/l The granules are produced by dispersing aluminium oxide in water, performing spray drying, optionally heat treatment and/or silanization. In silanized form, the granules have the following characteristics: Average grain diameter: 5 to 160 &mgr;m Tamped density: 300 to 1200 g/l Carbon content: 0.3 to 12.0 wt. % The granules are used inter alia as catalyst supports, in cosmetics, in toner powders, in paints and lacquers, as abrasives and polishing agents and as a raw material in the production of glass and ceramics.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of tricalcium aluminate (TCA) filter aid for use in an alumina refinery is described. Quicklime is slaked in a slaker tin using a suitable slaking solution to form a slaked lime slurry (10). A suitable surface-active agent is added to the slaking solution prior to slaking of the lime. Alternatively, the surface-active agents can be added to the slaked lime either during slaking or after slaking. The slaked lime slurry is then transferred to a stirred storage/transfer tank (12) before it is pumped to a lime aging tank (14). A concentrated Bayer liquor and steam are added to the tank (14) to provide a caustic aluminate solution that reacts with the slaked lime. Sufficient residence time is allowed in the lime aging tank (14) for the initial product of the reaction to “age” before use, forming relatively pure particles of the thermodynamically stable TCA.

Abstract: Attrition resistant, sorbent compositions for the removal of elemental sulfur and sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide and organic sulfides, from cracked-gasoline and diesel fuels are prepared by the impregnation of a sorbent support comprising zinc oxide, expanded perlite, and alumina with a promoter such as nickel, nickel oxide or a precursor of nickel oxide followed by reduction of the valence of the promoter metal in the resulting promoter metal sorbent support composition.

Abstract: Copper/alumina compositions for uses as e.g. catalysts are made by impregnating a porous transition alumina support with an aqueous solution of a copper ammine carbonate complex, draining off any excess of the impregnating solution, and then heating the impregnated support to a temperature above 80° C. to decompose the complex thereby depositing a basic copper carbonate compound on the surfaces of the pores of transition alumina support. After reduction, the composition has a high copper surface area, expressed per unit weight of copper in the composition.

Abstract: Oxidic catalysts containing 20 to 25% by weight of aluminum and 40 to 50% by weight of zinc which are suitable for the production of unsaturated fatty alcohols containing 8 to 22 carbon atoms by hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids, fatty acid lower alkyl esters or unsaturated fatty acid glycerides are disclosed. A process for the production of the oxidic aluminum/zinc catalysts is also disclosed.

Abstract: Activator solid support for metallocenes as catalysts in the polymerization of olefins, characterized in that it consists of a group of support particles for a solid catalytic component, which are formed from at least one porous mineral oxide, the said particles having been modified in order to carry, on the surface, aluminium and/or magnesium Lewis-acid sites of formula: 1

Abstract: The present invention provides an adsorbent for removing water and/or other oxygen-containing impurities from a fluid comprising ammonia to the ppb level and methods for making and using same. The adsorbent preferably comprises a substrate having a plurality of pores and a surface area that ranges from about 100 to about 2,500 m2/g and a compound disposed within a least a portion of the substrate. In certain preferred embodiments, the compound comprises at least one cation from the group consisting of ammonium (I), lithium (I), sodium (I), potassium (I), cesium (I); magnesium (II), calcium (II), strontium (II), barium (II), manganese (II), nickel (II), iron (II), zinc (II); aluminum (III), indium (III), iron (III), and zirconium (IV) or combinations thereof that is ionically associated with an anion from the group consisting of halide, sulfide, sulfite, or sulfate.

Abstract: A system for enhancing fluid/solids contacting in a fluidization reactor by controlling the particle size distribution of the solid particulates in the reactor.

Abstract: The attrition resistance of sorbent compositions are enhanced by controlling the pH of the support mixture containing the initial ingredients of the sorbent support. Desulfurization of a sulfur-containing fluid, such as cracked gasoline or diesel fuel, is enhanced by employing a co-feed gas comprising from about 80 to about 97 volume percent hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas processing agent for removing carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor in a gas at the same time, which can maintain a high oxidation activity and have a long life time, a manufacturing method therefor and a gas purification method. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gas processing agent made of a catalyst made of an inorganic porous material layer containing at least one selected from a group consisting of platinum, palladium, rhodium and ruthenium, or oxides thereof and an adsorbent, and a manufacturing method therefor, a gas purifier, a gas purification method and a gas purification apparatus using the gas processing agent.

Abstract: Attrition resistant, sorbent compositions for the removal of elemental sulfur and sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide and organic sulfides, from cracked-gasoline and diesel fuels are prepared by the impregnation of a sorbent support comprising zinc oxide, expanded perlite, and alumina with a promoter such as nickel, nickel oxide or a precursor of nickel oxide followed by reduction of the valence of the promoter metal in the resulting promoter metal sorbent support composition.

Abstract: A compound useful as a cocatalyst or cocatalyst component, especially for use as an addition polymerization catalyst compound, corresponding to the formula: (A*+a)b(Z*J*j)−cd, wherein: A* is a cation of from 1 to 80, preferably 1 to 60 atoms, not counting hydrogen atoms, said A* having a charge +a, Z* is an anion group of from 1 to 50, preferably 1 to 30 atoms, not counting hydrogen atoms, further containing two or more Lewis base sites; J* independently each occurrence is a Lewis acid of from 1 to 80, preferably 1 to 60 atoms, not counting hydrogen atoms, coordinated to at least one Lewis base site of Z*, and optionally two or more such J* groups may be joined together in a moiety having multiple Lewis acidic functionality, j is a number from 2 to 12 and a, b, c, and d are integers from 1 to 3, with the proviso that a×b is equal to c×d, and provided further that one or more of A*, Z* or J* comprises a hydroxyl group or a polar group containing quiescent reactive functionali

Abstract: Novel sorbent systems for the desulfurization of cracked-gasoline and diesel fuels are provided which are comprised of a bimetallic promotor on a particulate support such as that formed of zinc oxide and an inorganic or organic carrier. Such bimetallic promotors are formed of at least two metals of the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, molybdenum, tungsten, silver, tin, antimony and vanadium with the valence of same being reduced, preferably to zero. Processes for the production of such sorbents are provided wherein the sorbent is prepared from impregnated particulate supports or admixed to the support composite prior to particulation, drying, and calcination. Further disclosed is the use of such novel sorbents in the desulfurization of cracked-gasoline and diesel fuels whereby there is achieved not only removal of sulfur but also an increase in the olefin retention in the desulfurized product.

Abstract: An integrated lean NOx trap. The integrated lean NOx trap includes a lean NOx trap containing a composite metal oxide mixture consisting essentially of about 80-100 wt % stoichiometric spinel MgAl2O4 and between about 0-20 wt % of CeO2 or CeO2—ZrO2. A method for removing NOx and SOx impurities from exhaust gases using the integrated lean NOx trap is also described.

Abstract: Activator solid support for metallocenes as catalysts in the polymerization of olefins, characterized in that it consists of a group of support particles for a solid catalytic component, which are formed from at least one porous mineral oxide, the said particles having been modified in order to carry, on the surface, aluminium and/or magnesium Lewis-acid sites of formula: or —Mg—F, the groups coming from a functionalization agent having reacted with —OH radicals carried by the base particles of the support, the functionalization reaction having been followed by a fluorination reaction. The catalytic system according to the invention comprises (a) a metallocene catalyst, which has, if required, been subjected to a prealkylation treatment; (b) a cocatalyst; and (c) an activator solid support for metallocene, as defined above, it being possible for the cocatalyst (b) to be absent if the metallocene catalyst (a) has been prealkylated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for purifying and drying a polymer hydrogel. This invention is based in part upon the discovery that rapid drying of polymer hydrogels can eliminate the problem of unacceptable levels of soluble oligomers caused by prolonged thermal treatment. Rapid drying techniques allow drying hydrogels containing more water than was previously considered possible without a loss in product quality. Furthermore, it was discovered that slurries comprising polymer hydrogels and large quantities of water can be spray dried and that spray drying can be conducted with only minimal oligomer formation.

Abstract: A microcrystalline boehmite containing additive in a homogeneously dispersed state. Suitable additives are compounds containing elements selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metals, alkaline metals, rare earth metals, transition metals, actinides, silicon, gallium, boron, titanium, and phosphorus. The microcrystalline boehmite according to the invention may be prepared in several ways. In general, a microcrystalline boehmite precursor and an additive are converted to a microcrystalline boehmite containing the additive in a homogeneously dispersed state. The additive does not contain zirconia or magnesia.

Abstract: A sulfur sorber for the reduction of gaseous sulfur compounds, e.g., H2S, in a gas stream The sulfur sorber, e.g., zinc oxide, is present in the form of one or more layers on the surface of a monolith carrier, e.g., cordierite. The layers have a total thickness of at least 3 g/in3 of the carrier. Preferably, the sorber is present in the form of at least three layers on the surface of the monolith carrier.

Abstract: Sulfur species are removed from hydrocarbon fluids by a process that includes contacting the fluid with a solid adsorbent having a porous substrate impregnated with silver oxide. The solid adsorbent preferably comprises activated alumina. The solid adsorbent may be regenerated with a two step process including: 1) heating the adsorbent in an inert atmosphere, preferably an atmosphere containing nitrogen, so that sulfur species are stripped from the adsorbent without oxidizing them, and 2) heating the adsorbent in an oxidizing atmosphere, preferably an atmosphere containing approximately 20% oxygen, so that the silver contained on the adsorbent is re-oxidized, forming silver oxide.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing phosgene which in one embodiment comprises contacting in at least one reactor a mixture comprising carbon monoxide and chlorine sequentially with a first catalyst followed by contacting the resulting gaseous reaction mixture comprising phosgene with at least one second catalyst of higher relative activity than a first catalyst. In another embodiment a method is disclosed for producing phosgene which comprises contacting in at least one reactor a mixture comprising carbon monoxide and chlorine with at least one catalyst bed comprising a first catalyst wherein at least a portion of said first catalyst is diluted with a second catalyst of higher relative activity than a first catalyst.

Abstract: A process to produce a sorbent composition is provided. This process comprises: (a) contacting a zinc component, an alumina component, and a dispersant component, to form a mixture; and then (b) spray drying said mixture to form particles; and then (c) contacting said particles with a zinc compound, wherein said zinc compound is zinc oxide, or it is a compound convertible to zinc oxide, to form a sorbent composition. A process to produce a particulate composition that comprises zinc aluminate is provided. This comprises: (a) contacting a zinc component, an alumina component, and a dispersant component, to form a mixture; and then (b) spray drying said mixture to form said particulate composition.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to Mg—Al anionic clay having 3R2 stacking. This new polytype of anionic clay has a three-layer repeat, but it has a different interlayer arrangement than the conventional 3R1 hydrotalcite. Said new polytype can be applied in all applications described before for the conventional 3R1 polytype anionic clay such as in catalyst compositions, catalyst additive compositions, catalyst supports, absorbent compositions, stabilizer compositions and in medicaments.

Abstract: An AgX-type zeolite having a silver exchange level of 20-70% and a Ar/O2 Henry's law selectivity ratio at 23° C. of 1.05 or greater has an optimum combination of selectivity for argon over oxygen at lower cost than higher silver exchange levels. This material can be used in oxygen VSA/PSA processes to produce oxygen at purities above 97%.

Abstract: In a process for reacting an organic compound in the presence of a catalyst comprising, as active metal, at least one metal of transition group VIII of the Periodic Table, either alone or together with at least one metal of transition group I or VII of the Periodic Table, in an amount of from 0.01 to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the catalyst, applied to a support containing macropores, the support comprises, as a support component, boron(III) oxide in an amount of from 10 to 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the support.

Abstract: A macroporous adsorbent comprising pores having a pore volume (Vm) and a mean pore diameter (dm) such that: Vm≧1 cc.g−1 and dm≧1 &mgr;m, Vm and dm being determined by mercury porosimetry; their manufacturing process using a spheronization and freeze-drying technique; and their use for separating or purifying gases, such as air, synthesis gases or hydrocarbons, especially olefins.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing phosgene which in one embodiment comprises contacting in at least one reactor a mixture comprising carbon monoxide and chlorine sequentially with a first catalyst followed by contacting the resulting gaseous reaction mixture comprising phosgene with at least one second catalyst of higher relative activity than a first catalyst. In another embodiment a method is disclosed for producing phosgene which comprises contacting in at least one reactor a mixture comprising carbon monoxide and chlorine with at least one catalyst bed comprising a first catalyst wherein at least a portion of said first catalyst is diluted with a second catalyst of higher relative activity than a first catalyst.

Abstract: A compound useful as a catalyst activator corresponding to the formula: (A*+a)b(Z*J*j)−cd, wherein: A* is a cation of charge +a, Z* is an anion group of from 1 to 50 atoms not counting hydrogen atoms, further containing two or more Lewis base sites; J* independently each occurrence is a Lewis acid coordinated to at least one Lewis base site of Z*, and optionally two or more such J* groups may be joined together in a moiety having multiple Lewis acidic functionality, j is a number from 2 to 12 and a, b, c, and d are integers from 1 to 3, with the proviso that a×b is equal to c×d.