Abstract: A catalyst composition for the polymerization of olefins and process for the use thereof, comprising the combination of one or more Ziegler-Natta catalysts, comprising one or more transition metal compounds, one or more aluminum containing cocatalyts, and a mixture of different selectivity control agents, including in said mixture of selectivity control agents at least one normally dominating selectivity control agent and one normally dominated selectivity control agent, characterized in that the individual selectivity control agents are present in the mixture in relative amounts to each other and relative to the one or more transition metal compounds, such that the effect of the selectivity control agents on the resulting polymer properties is not determined solely or substantially solely by the normally dominating selectivity control agent.

Abstract: There are disclosed a process for producing a solid catalyst component and a catalyst for ?-olefin polymerization, and a process for producing an ?-olefin polymer, wherein the process for producing a solid catalyst component comprises the steps of: (1) reducing a specific titanium compound with an organomagnesium compound in the presence of an organosilicon compound having an Si—O bond (and an ester compound), thereby obtaining a solid product, and (2) contacting the solid product with a halogeno compound of the 14 group element, at least one member selected from the group consisting of an electron donor compound and an organic acid halide, and a compound having a Ti-halogen bond, thereby obtaining the solid catalyst component.

Abstract: A catalyst system useful for polymerizing olefins is disclosed. The catalyst system comprises a cocatalyst and a supported transition metal prepared from a halogen-containing Group 4–6 transition metal compound and an organoaluminum-siloxane containing mixture. The latter mixture, which is prepared from an organoaluminum compound and an organomagnesium-siloxane reaction product, incorporates a chelating ligand. The invention includes a method for making the catalyst system and a process for polymerizing olefins using the catalyst system. The process is convenient and avoids expensive catalyst components used in known olefin polymerization processes.

Abstract: Propylene polymers having a content of isotactic pentads (mmmm) higher than 97%, molecular weight distribution, expressed by the formula (a) ratio, equal to or higher than 6 and a value of formula (b) ratio equal to or lower than 5.5. The said polymers are prepared in the presence of a particular combination of Ziegler-Natta solid catalyst components and highly stereoregulating electron-donor compounds. Laminated articles, in particular bi-axially oriented films and sheets, can be prepared with the said polymers {overscore (M)}w/{overscore (M)}n ??(a) {overscore (M)}z/{overscore (M)}w.

Abstract: It has been discovered that using n-butylmethyldimethoxysilane (BMDS) as an external electron donor for Ziegler-Natta catalysts can provide a catalyst system that may prepare polypropylene films with improved properties. The catalyst systems of the invention provide for controlled chain defects/defect distribution and thus a regulated microtacticity. Consequently, the curve of storage modulus (G?) v. temperature is shifted such that the film achieves the same storage modulus at a lower temperature enabling faster throughput of polypropylene film through a high-speed tenter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prepolymerized olefin polymerization catalyst and olefin polymerization method using the same. More particularly, the present invention provides a prepolymerized catalyst that is encapsulated with macromonomers produced by polymerizing olefin monomers with a vinyl-terminated polysiloxane compound in the presence of a solid titanium catalyst for olefin polymerization having been previously surface treated with silane compounds containing two or more vinyl groups, and a method for producing polyolefin having a high melt strength using the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for homopolymerization of ethylene or copolymerization of ethylene with alpha-olefins by contacting ethylene or ethylene and alpha-olefin with a catalyst composition comprising: (a) a solid catalyst precursor comprising at least one vanadium compound, at least one magnesium compound and a polymeric material or a solid catalyst precursor comprising at least one vanadium compound, at least one further transition metal compound and/or at least one alcohol, at least one magnesium compound and a polymeric material; and (b) a cocatalyst comprising an aluminum compound.

Abstract: It has been discovered that using di-sec-butyldialkoxysilanes, such as di-sec-butyldimethoxysilane (DSBDMS), as external electron donors for Ziegler-Natta catalysts can provide a catalyst system that may prepare polypropylene films with improved properties and processing. The catalyst systems of the invention provide high activity, high bulk density, moderate hydrogen response, moderate donor response and high polydispersity (MWD). Suitable di-sec-butyldialkoxysilanes have the formula (SBu)2Si(OR?)2, where R? is independently a straight or branched alkyl group of 1–5 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Crystalline polymers and copolymers of propylene having total MIL values>2 g/10 minutes, total [?] values in tetrahydronaphthalene at 135° C.?2/8 dl/g, Mw/Mn values>20, a fraction insoluble in xylene at 25° C.?94, and including from 10 to 60% by weight of a fraction (A) having [?]?2.6, are prepared by way of sequential polymerization in at least two stages, in the presence of particular Ziegler-Natta catalysts supported on magnesium halides. These polymers have high melt strength, high mechanical properties, and are particularly adequate for the manufacture of articles by using various conversion technologies, such as for example extrusion in thin sheets to be subjected to thermoforming, as well as for injection molding, and blow molding.

Abstract: A solid catalyst component for olefin polymerization in which the molar ratio of residual alkoxy groups to supported titanium is 0.60 or less is obtained by reacting the following compound (a1) with the following compound (b1) at a hydroxyl group/magnesium molar ratio of 1.0 or more, reacting the reaction mixture with the following compound (c1) at a halogen/magnesium molar ratio of 0.20 or more, reacting the resultant reaction mixture with the following compounds (d1) and (e) at a temperature of 120° C. or higher but 150° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to propylene polymerization process in a bulk loop reactor, and particularly to propylene polymerization process for polymerizing commercial quantities of polypropylene in a bulk loop reactor by sequentially introducing Ziegler-Natta and metallocene catalyst systems into the bulk loop reactor.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the copolymerisation of propylene with at least one C4-20 ?-olefin or C4-20 diene in a reaction medium in the presence of a catalyst system at a temperature of greater that 80° C. or at a temperature and pressure above the critical temperature and pressure of the reaction medium. Under such conditions, comonmer incorporation is higher than under standard conditions.

Abstract: A process for producing bimodal polyethylene resins in two reactors in series, the process comprising producing a first polyethylene resin fraction in a first slurry loop reactor in a diluent in the presence of a catalyst and producing a second polyethylene resin fraction in a second slurry loop reactor, serially connected to the first reactor, in the diluent in the presence of the catalyst, the first polyethylene resin fraction being passed from the first reactor to the second reactor together with the catalyst, one of the first and second reactors producing a resin fraction of higher molecular than the resin fraction produced by the other of the first and second reactors, characterised in that the first reactor is fed with a feed of ethylene and diluent having an ethylene content of at least 70 wt % based on the weight of the diluent and in that in the first reactor the slurry of polyethylene in the diluent has a solids content of at least 30 wt % based on the weight of the diluent.

Abstract: A monomer stream containing propylene is supplied to a polymerization reactor which is operated under temperature and pressure conditions effective for the production of a stereoregular propylene polymer fluff. A titanium-based supported Ziegler-Natta catalyst having a titanium content of at least 1.7 wt. % and incorporating an internal electron donor is incorporated into the monomer stream. A trialkylaluminum co-catalyst is supplied to the monomer stream in an amount to provide an aluminum/titanium molar ratio within the range of 50–500. A silicon-based external electron donor is also supplied to the monomer stream in an amount to provide an aluminum/silicon molar ratio within the range of 10–500. Polymer fluff recovered from the polymerization reactor has a melt flow rate of at least 200 grams/10 minutes, and a xylene soluble content of no more than 4 wt. %.

Abstract: A method of preparing ultra high melt flow polypropylene having reduced xylene solubles is provided. The method utilizes a diether internal donor-containing Ziegler-Natta catalyst system to polymerize propylene. The polypropylene produced is characterized by having a melt flow of at least about 300 g/10 min and a xylene solubles of not more than about 3.5% and no peroxide residue. The catalyst system may also include an internal phthalate donor. The method of the invention allows the amount of external donors to be reduced, or even eliminated, without significant increases in xylene solubles.

Abstract: A process for the (co)polymerization ethylene, optionally in mixtures with olefins CH?CHR in which R is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl radical with 1–12 carbon atoms, carried out in the presence of a catalyst system comprising (A) a solid catalyst component which comprises Mg, halogen an electron donor selected form ethers, esters, or amines, and Ti atoms in an oxidation state such that the weight percentage ratio between Ti(red)/Ti(tot) ranges from about 0.05 to about 1; wherein Ti(red) is the weight percentage on the solid catalyst component of the Ti atoms having a valence less than 4 and Ti(tot) is the weight percentage on the solid catalyst component of all the Ti atoms and (B) an Al-alkyl compound. The said process is capable to produce ethylene polymers with a reduced oligomers content and/or improved mechanical characteristics.

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 solid catalyst component for the polymerization of olefins, comprising: an inert porous support, Mg, Ti, halogen and an electron donor selected from succinates of formula (I) wherein the radicals R1 and R2 equal to or different form each other, are hydrocarbon groups, the radicals R3, R4, R5 and R6, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen or hydrocarbon groups.

Abstract: Random copolymers of propylene with other 1-alkenes having up to carbon atoms, whose content of comonomers is in the range from 0.7 to 1.4% by weight if the only comonomer present in the propylene copolymers is ethylene, or whose content of comonomers is in the range from 0.7 to 3.0% by weight if at least one C4–C10-1-alkene is present as comonomer, and whose cold-xylene-soluble fraction is from 1.0 to 2.5% by weight if ethylene is present as a comonomer in the propylene copolymers, or whose cold-xylene-soluble fraction is from 0.75 to 2.0% by weight if the only comonomers present are C4–C10-1-alkenes, and a process for preparing the random copolymers of propylene is described, as is their use for producing films, fibers or moldings, and also the films, fibers and moldings themselves and biaxially stretched films made from random propylene copolymers of this type and processes for their production.

Abstract: Atactic or amorphous poly-alpha-olefins containing 100%–65% propylene and optionally up to about 35% ethylene and/or up to about 15% of a C4–C8 alpha-olefin are prepared by polymerizing the monomer(s) at 180–450° F. and at a pressure sufficient to substantially maintain the monomer(s) in the liquid phase. The polymerization is carried out in the presence of catalyst system consisting of (a) a transition metal halide selected from the group consisting of (i) a titanium trihalide and an aluminum alkyl, (ii) a titanium halide on a comminuted magnesium halide support, and (iii) a titanium halide sandwich compound and (b) aluminum alkyl as a co-catalyst. No stereoregulator or only minor amounts of a stereoregulator are used.

Abstract: An olefin polymerization catalyst comprising: (A1) a solid catalyst component prepared by contacting (a1) a dialkoxymagnesium, (b1) a tetravalent titanium halide, (c1) an electron compound, and (d1) a polysiloxane, (B) an organoaluminum compound of the formula R1pAlQ3-p, and (C) an aminosilane compound of the formula (R2R3N)Si(OR4)3 has a high activity to hydrogen as compared with conventional catalysts and maintains the capability of producing polymers with a high stereoregularity at a high yield.

Abstract: A clay-filled polyolefin composition and process for making it are disclosed. The process involves treatment of a non-acid-treated smectite clay with a Ziegler-Natta catalyst in the presence of a hydrocarbon and subsequent polymerization of an olefin in the presence of the treated clay and an organoaluminum cocatalyst. Results indicate that filled compositions produced by this process contain exfoliated clay.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing ethylene is disclosed. A magnesium chloride-alcohol is used to support an organometallic complex comprising a Group 3 to 10 transition metal and an indenoindolyl ligand. The supported organometallic complex is mixed with an activator and ethylene and the ethylene is polymerized. Use of magnesium chloride containing an alcohol as the support provides an unexpected boost in catalyst activity and improves polymer rheological properties.

Abstract: A process for copolymerizing ethylene with vinylsilanes is disclosed. The process uses a Ziegler-Natta catalyst and cocatalyst wherein the Ziegler-Natta catalyst is prepared from a Group 4-6 halogen-containing transition metal and a mixture of an organomagnesium compound and a silicon-containing compound. Silane-functionalized polyolefins produced using the process can be crosslinkable and can be used to bond polyolefins to polysiloxanes or other functionalized polymers.

Abstract: A Ziegler-Natta type catalyst component can be produced by a process comprising contacting a magnesium dialkoxide compound with a halogenating agent to form a reaction product A, and contacting reaction product A with a first, second and third halogenating/titanating agents. Catalyst components, catalysts, catalyst systems, polyolefin, products made therewith, and methods of forming each are disclosed. The reaction products can be washed with a hydrocarbon solvent to reduce titanium species [Ti] content to less than about 100 mmol/L.

Abstract: The present invention relates to propylene polymerization process in a bulk loop reactor, and particularly to propylene polymerization process for polymerizing commercial quantities of polypropylene in a bulk loop reactor by sequentially introducing Ziegler-Natta and metallocene catalyst systems into the bulk loop reactor. In one embodiment, separate catalyst mixing systems are used to introduce a quantity of metallocene catalyst and Ziegler-Natta catalyst into the bulk loop reactor. The frequency rate at which the quantity of metallocene catalyst is introduced into the bulk loop reactor may be higher than the frequency rate at which the quantity of Ziegler-Natta catalyst is introduced.

Abstract: A new synthesis of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst uses a multi-step preparation that includes treating a magnesium dialkoxide compound with halogenating/titanating agents, an organoaluminum preactivating agent, and a heat treatment. The catalyst may be used in the polymerization of olefins, particularly ethylene, to control the molecular weight distribution of the resulting polyolefins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catalyst components for the polymerization of olefins comprising a titanium compound, having at least a Ti-halogen bond, and at least two electron donor compounds supported on a Mg dihalide, said catalyst component being characterized by the fact that at least one of the electron donor compounds is selected from ethers containing two or more ether groups which are further characterized by the formation of complexes with anhydrous magnesium dichloride in an amount less than 60 mmoles per 100 g of MgCl2 and by the failure of entering into substitution reactions with TiCl4 or by reacting in that way for less than 50% by moles, and at least another electron donor compound is selected from esters of mono or polycarboxylic acids. Said catalyst components are able to produce propylene polymers which, for high values of xylene insolubility, show a broad range of isotacticity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the prepolymerization of ?-olefin in the presence of a catalyst system which comprises (a) a magnesium supported solid complex titanium catalyst and (b) an organometallic compound of metal of Group I or III of the Periodic Table, characterized in that an inert solvent having high viscosity with molecular weight of 300 g/mole or more is used as a reaction medium.

Abstract: An olefin polymerization catalyst is described which includes: (A) a solid catalyst component being prepared by copulverizing a magnesium compound, an aluminum compound, an electron donor and a titanium compound, and (B) an organoaluminum compound. The present invention is also directed to a process for preparing polyolefins using the aforesaid catalyst system to polymerize olefins.

Abstract: By controlling the hold up times and temperatures for mixing the components of aluminum, titanium and magnesium based catalyst for solution polymerization it is possible to prepare a catalyst having a high activity, which prepares high molecular weight polyolefins. Generally, catalyst loses activity and produces lower molecular weight polymer at higher temperatures. The catalyst of the present invention permits comparable polymers to be produced at higher reaction temperatures.

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: A supported catalyst composition comprising the reaction product of i) a magnesium halide, ii) a solvent, iii) an electron donor compound, iv) and a transition metal compound; an inert support; and a cocatalyst composition wherein the supported catalyst is substantially free of other alcohols and wherein the molar ratio of the first alcohol to magnesium is less than or equal to 1.9. Methods of making supported catalyst compositions and methods of making polymers with supported catalysts.

Abstract: A propylene block copolymer with a high proportion of ethylene-propylene copolymer particles (rubber component) well dispersed in a propylene polymer exhibiting well-balanced rigidity and impact resistance can be obtained by using a solid catalyst for polymerization of olefins comprising (a) a solid catalyst component with controlled morphology, comprising magnesium, titanium, and a halogen atom, having an average particle diameter, specific surface area, and pore volume in a specific range, and having a pore size distribution in which an cumulative pore volume with a pore size of 100 ? or less is more than 50%, (b) an organoaluminum compound, and (c) an organosilicon compound. The block copolymer is very useful particularly for the application of vehicle parts such as a bumper and parts for household electric appliances.

Abstract: A method of modifying a Ziegler-Natta type polyolefin catalyst comprises contacting the Ziegler-Natta catalyst with olefin monomer to form a prepolymerized catalyst. The prepolymerized catalyst can comprise a reduced number of catalyst particles having a size of 40 microns or less. The prepolymerized catalyst can be used in a polymerization process to produce polymer fluff particles with a reduced number of polymer fluff fines than the Ziegler-Natta type catalyst.

Abstract: A lower ?-alkene polymerization heterogeneous solid catalyst which comprises a hydrated magnesium chloride derived procatalyst, a cocatalyst comprising an organoaluminium compound and a selectivity control agent comprising an ester or ether. The procatalyst comprises a titanium tetrahalide supported on a magnesium chloride ester complex precursor. Magnesium chloride alcoholate is reacted with an activated carbonyl compound in the presence of a hydrocarbon and/or halohydrocarbon solvent to generate insitu an internal electron donor ester component of the precursor. The precursor is reacted with a titanium tetrahalide optionally in the presence of a hydrocarbon and/or halohydrocarbon solvent.

Abstract: Solid catalyst components comprising Ti,Mg, halogen and internal electron-donor compound selected from the 1,3-diethers of formula (I) in which R is a C1-C10 alkyl group, R1 is a linear or branched primary alkyl radical having at least three carbon atoms, optionally containing a heteroatom, and R2 is a secondary alkyl or cycloalkyl radicals different from i-propyl, optionally containing a heteroatom. The catalysts obtained by using as internal electron-donor compound the said 1,3-diethers display in the (co)polymerization of olefins an excellent balance of activity and stereospecificity that cannot be reached with the ethers known in the art.

Abstract: There are provided: (I) a solid catalyst component (A-1) for olefin polymerization, which is obtained by a process comprising the step of contacting: (a-1) a carrier of carboxyl group-carrying polymer particles having an average particle diameter of from 1 to 300 &mgr;m, and (b) a transition metal compound of the number 4 group of metals in the periodic table of elements; (II) a catalyst for olefin polymerization, which is obtained by a process comprising the step of contacting: (A-1) the above solid catalyst component, and (B) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an organoaluminum compound and an organoaluminumoxy compound; (III) a process for producing an olefin polymer, which comprises the step of polymerizing an olefin in the presence of the above catalyst; and (IV) a process for producing the above solid catalyst component (A-1), which comprises the step of contacting: (a-1) the above carrier, and (b) the above transition metal compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anionically polymerised, impact-resistant polystyrene with a dispersed plasticiser phase, comprising particles with capsule particle morphology and method for production thereof.

Abstract: An olefin polymerization catalyst system, comprising a catalyst represented by the general formula CrR4, wherein each R is independently a hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, with the proviso that R may not be a cyclopentadienyl group, an activator represented by the general formula, MQ2, where M is a Group II metal, where each Q is independently an alkyl, or substituted alkyl; and a support. The support may be organic or inorganic. Ethylene and one or more olefins may be polymerized by the catalyst system.

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: Disclosed are catalysts for the polymerization of alpha-olefins which comprise the reaction product of: (a) an Al-alkyl compound; (b) a silicon compound containing at least one Si—OR or Si—OCOR or Si—NR2 bond, R being a hydrocarbyl radical; (c) a solid comprising, as essential support, a Mg dihalide in active form and, supported thereon, a Ti halide or a halo-Ti-alcoholate and a particular type of electron donor compound. The present invention refers to new supported components of catalysts for the polymerization of CH2═CHR olefins wherein R is an alkyl radical with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an aryl radical, and mixtures of said olefins with ethylene and the catalysts obtained from said components.

Abstract: A pre-catalyst is formed by reacting butylethylmagnesium with an alcohol to form a magnesium alkoxide compound, followed by contacting the magnesium alkoxide compound with a phosporous compound to form a magnesium alkoxide phosphorous compound mixture. The magnesium alkoxide phosphorous compound mixture is subsequently reacted with TiCl4 to form a MgCl2 support. The MgCl2 support is then contacted with an internal donor while being heated to form a first catalyst slurry, which is then contacted with TiCl4 while being heated to form a second catalyst slurry. The second catalyst slurry is next contacted with TiCl4 while being heated to form a third catalyst slurry, which is washed and dried, resulting in a highly active pre-catalyst with controlled morphology. The pre-catalyst may be combined with one or more co-catalysts and optionally one or more external electron donors to form an active catalyst system, which may be used for polymerization of olefins.

Abstract: A novel loop/slurry olefin polymerization process is provided which produces ultra high molecular weight ethylene homopolymers and ultra high molecular weight ethylene copolymers. Catalyst systems used are selected from the group consisting of inorganic oxide supported titanium-containing catalyst systems, inorganic oxide supported organo-zirconium catalyst systems and inorganic oxide supported organo-hafnium catalyst systems.

Abstract: By controlling the hold up times, concentrations and temperatures for mixing the components of aluminum, titanium and magnesium based catalyst for solution polymerization it is possible to prepare a catalyst having a high activity, which prepares high molecular weight polyolefins. Generally, a catalyst loses activity and produces lower molecular weight polymer at higher temperatures. The catalyst of the present invention permits comparable polymers to be produced with higher catalyst activity and at higher reaction temperatures by increasing the concentration of the components used during the preparation of the catalyst.

Abstract: Zirconocene compounds with two indenyl ligands linked in the 2 position by means of a two-carbon-atoms divalent bridging group can be suitably used as components of catalysts for the polymerization of olefins. Particularly it is possible to prepare, with high yields, ethylene (co)polymers having low molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions, without the need of using considerable amounts of molecular weight regulators, such as hydrogen.

Abstract: A novel loop/slurry olefin polymerization process is provided which produces ultra high molecular weight ethylene homopolymers and ultra high molecular weight ethylene copolymers. Catalyst systems used are selected from the group consisting of inorganic oxide supported titanium-containing catalyst systems, inorganic oxide supported organo-zirconium catalyst systems and inorganic oxide supported organo-hafnium catalyst systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catalyst components for the polymerization of olefins, and to the catalyst obtained therefrom, particularly suitable for the stereospecific polymerization of olefins, comprising Ti, Mg, halogen and an electron donor compound selected from heteroatom containing esters of malonic acids (heteroatom containing malonates). 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: The present invention relates to catalyst components for the polymerization of olefins, and to the catalyst obtained therefrom, particularly suitable for the stereospecific polymerization of olefins, comprising Ti, Mg, halogen and an electron donor compound selected from heteroatom containing esters of malonic acids (heteroatom containing malonates). 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: Atactic or amorphous poly-alpha-olefins containing 100%-65% propylene and optionally up to about 35% ethylene and/or up to about 15% of a C4-C8 alpha-olefin are prepared by polymerizing the monomer(s) at 180-450° F. and at a pressure sufficient to substantially maintain the monomer(s) in the liquid phase. The polymerization is carried out in the presence of catalyst system consisting of (a) a transition metal halide selected from the group consisting of (i) a titanium trihalide and an aluminum alkyl, (ii) a titanium halide on a comminuted magnesium halide support, and (iii) a titanium halide sandwich compound and (b) aluminum alkyl as a co-catalyst. No stereoregulator or only minor amounts of a stereoregulator are used.