Abstract: The invention concerns a metallocene catalyst composition for preparing linear isotactic polymers, wherein said catalyst composition contains a metal complex and an activator. The invention also concerns a process for preparing linear, isotactic polymers which have a structure of which the tacticity varies within the range of between 25 and 60% of [mmmm] pentad concentration, in which process a C2 to C20 olefin is polymerized in the presence of catalyst composition.

Abstract: Described are solid olefin polymerization catalysts that have, inter alia, very high productivities (at least 18,000 grams of polyethylene per gram of catalyst in one hour) as shown by a standard test procedure for measuring this property or characteristic. Such particulate catalysts can be prepared by prepolymerizing vinylolefin with a Group 4 metallocene-aluminoxane solution, using proportions of vinylolefin (most preferably, ethylene) in the range of about 150 to about 1500, and preferably in the range of about 175 to about 1000, moles per mole of Group 4 metallocene used in forming the solution. The atom ratio of aluminum to Group 4 metal in the solution is in the range of about 150:1 to about 1500:1, and preferably in the range of about 175:1 to about 1000:1. In addition, the Group 4 metallocene ingredient used in forming these highly productive catalysts has in its molecular structure at least one polymerizable olefinic substituent.

Abstract: Branched ethylene-propylene compositions which have improved melt strength and shear thinning are provided. The weight average branching index g′ for the higher molecular weight region of the ethylene-propylene composition is less than 0.95. Additionally, a novel process is provided for efficiently producing a branched ethylene-propylene composition comprising: a) contacting propylene monomers and ethylene monomers in a reactor with an inert hydrocarbon solvent or diluent and a catalyst composition comprising one or more single site catalyst compounds capable of producing an ethylene-propylene polymer at a temperature from about 50° C. to about 180° C., wherein the ratio in the reactor of the propylene and ethylene monomers to the inert hydrocarbon solvent or diluent is less than 2.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved olefin catalyst, a method of in situ-activated catalyst preparation and a process for the polymerization of olefinic monomers via, for example, a titanium trichloride/magnesium dichloride/tetrahydrofuran reaction product catalyst precursor. The activated catalyst is prepared in situ in a polymerization reactor using an alumoxane based co-catalyst wherein the cumbersome traditional steps of catalyst activation and isolation, prior to polymerization are eliminated. An unexpected advantage of this invention is a significant increase in catalyst productivity while maintaining a relatively constant value of the bulk density of polymeric materials produced while concomitantly producing a polymeric product having a broad molecular weight distribution compared with typical alumoxane-activated metallocene catalysts.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions of matter are described comprising olefin polymer chains having Mn of about 400 to 75,000, a ratio of vinyl groups to total olefin groups according to the formula vinyl ⁢   ⁢ groups olefin ⁢   ⁢ groups ≥ [ comonomer ⁢   ⁢ mole ⁢   ⁢ percentage + 0.

Abstract: Described are solid olefin polymerization catalysts that have, inter alia, very high productivities as shown by a standard test procedure for measuring this property or characteristic, and excellent morphology. Such particulate catalysts can be prepared by prepolymerizing a controlled amount of vinylolefin with a Group 4 metallocene-aluminoxane solution, in which the original metallocene ingredient used in the process has in its molecular structure at least one polymerizable olefinic substituent. These particulate catalysts do not contain, and thus are not produced in the presence of, a preformed support such as an inorganic compound (silica or etc.) or a preformed particulate polymeric support.

Abstract: A polymerization catalyst system and a method for preparing the catalyst system is disclosed. The catalyst system includes a bulky ligand metallocene catalyst compound, preferably containing a single cyclopentadienyl or substituted cyclopentadienyl-type ring system, a Group 13 element containing first modifier, and a cycloalkadiene second modifier. The present invention also provides a process for polymerizing olefin(s) utilizing the catalyst systems described herein.

Abstract: A catalyst system useful to polymerize and co-polymerize polar and non-polar olefin monomers is formed by in situ reduction with a reducing agent of a catalyst precursor comprising {Cp*MRR′n}+{A}− wherein Cp* is a cyclopentadienyl or substituted cyclopentadienyl moiety; M is an early transition metal; R is a C1-C20 hydrocarbyl; R′ are independently selected from hydride, C1-C20 hydrocarbyl, SiR″3, NR″2, OR″, SR″, GeR″3, and SnR″3 containing groups (R″=C1-C10 hydrocarbyl); n is an integer selected to balance the oxidation state of M; and A is a suitable non-coordinating anionic cocatalyst or precursor. This catalyst system may form stereoregular olefin polymers including syndiotactic polymers of styrene and methylmethacrylate and isotactic copolymers of polar and nonpolar olefin monomers such as methylmethacrylate and styrene.

Abstract: A process is provided to produce a dialkenyl-tricyclic-nonaromatic/olefin polymer. The process comprises contacting at least one dialkenyl-tricyclic-nonaromatic compound, at least one olefin, at least one titanium complex, and at least one aluminoxane in a polymerization zone under polymerization conditions to form the dialkenyl-tricyclic-nonaromatic/olefin polymer.

Abstract: A new class of bridged bis(tetrahydro-indenyl)metallocenes of formula (I), wherein M is Zr or Hf; X are monoanionic sigma ligands; (ZR1i)j is a divalent group bridging the two tetrahydro-indenyl residues; R2 and R3 are halogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alklyaryl or arylalkyl radicals; p is 0-3; i is 1 or 2; j is 1-4; m is 1-2; and n is 0-8. Furthermore, catalysts systems for olefin polymerization containing them are described.

Abstract: Hydrolytically degradable olefin copolymers, such as ethylene copolymers, contain a hydrolyzable component in the backbone that allows the copolymer to be broken down into dispersable fragments upon exposure to aqueous conditions. The copolymers are prepared by transition metal-catalyzed polymerization.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to oligomerize ethylene comprising combining ethylene with a catalyst system comprising an activator and one or more phenoxide group metal compounds represented by the formula: wherein R3, R4, R5, R8, R9 and R10 may each independently be hydrogen, a halogen, a heteroatom containing group or a C1 to C100 group, provided that at least one of these groups has a Hammett &sgr;p value (Hansch, et al Chem. Rev. 1991, 91, 165) greater than 0.20; R2 and R7 may each independently be alkyl, aryl or silyl groups; R1 and R6 may each independently be an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkoxy group, or an amino group; N is nitrogen; H is hydrogen; O is oxygen; M is a group 4 transition metal; and each X may each independently be an anionic ligand or a dianionic ligand.

Abstract: A process to produce a first catalyst composition is provided. The process comprises contacting at least one first organometal compound, oxygen bridged mono-cyclopentadienyl transition metal dimer, and at least one activator to produce the first catalyst composition. The activator is selected from the group consisting of aluminoxanes, fluoro-organo borates, and treated solid oxide components in combination with at least one organoaluminum compound. In another embodiment of this invention, a process to produce a second catalyst composition for producing bimodal polymers is provided. The process comprises contacting at least one first organometal compound, at least one activator, and at least one second organometal compound to produce the second catalyst composition. The first and second catalyst compositions are also provided as well as polymerization processes using these compositions to produce polymers.

Abstract: Described are solid olefin polymerization catalysts that have, inter alia, very high productivities (at least 18,000 grams of polyethylene per gram of catalyst in one hour) as shown by a standard test procedure for measuring this property or characteristic. Such particulate catalysts can be prepared by prepolymerizing &agr;-olefin with a Group 4 metallocene-aluminoxane solution, using proportions of &agr;-olefin (most preferably, ethylene) in the range of about 150 to about 1500, and preferably in the range of about 175 to about 1000, moles per mole of Group 4 metallocene used in forming the solution. The atom ratio of aluminum to Group 4 metal in the solution is in the range of about 150:1 to about 1500:1, and preferably in the range of about 175:1 to about 1000:1. In addition, the Group 4 metallocene ingredient used in forming these highly productive catalysts has in its molecular structure at least one polymerizable olefinic substituent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition of carboxylate metal salt and a flow improver useful in combination with a polymerization catalyst to improve the flowability and bulk density of the catalyst. The invention also relates to a polymerization process using the catalyst.

Abstract: Catalyst system suitable for preparing substantially terminally unsaturated atactic polymers or copolymers of &agr;-olefins having a molecular weight (Mn) in the range 200-500,000. The catalyst system includes a metallocene of the formula: [RmCpH(5-m)][RnCpH(5-n)]M(Z)Y wherein CpH is a cyclopentadienyl ligand, each R represents an alkyl or an aryl substituent on the CpH ligand or two R's may be joined together to form a ring, or the Rs in each CpH group when taken together represents an Si or C bridging group linking two CpH groups wherein the Si or C group may itself be substituted by hydrogen atoms or C1-C3 alkyl groups, M is a metal selected from hafnium, zirconium and titanium, Z is selected from a hydrogen atom, a trifluoromethane sulphonate, an alkyl and an aryl group, Y is selected from a, 1,3-diketonate and a &bgr;-ketoester arion, and each of m and n is same or different and has a value from 0 to 5.

Abstract: Process for polymerizing alpha-olefins, in which at least one alpha-olefin is placed in contact, under polymerizing conditions, with a catalytic system comprising (a) a solid catalyst comprising (i) a compound of a transition metal from groups 4 to 6 of the Periodic Table, containing at least one cyclopentadiene ligand which may be substituted, (ii) an activator chosen from aluminoxanes and ionizing agents, and (iii) a porous polymeric support, and (b) at least one organoaluminium compound corresponding to the general formula R3−nAl(Y′)n in which 0.

Abstract: Gelatinous compositions of matter which are useful as polymerization catalyst components and are highly stable in terms of OH-decay rate, as well as similarly stable solid compositions of matter formed from such gelatinous compositions, are described. The gelatinous and solid compositions are formed from hydroxyaluminoxane. Also disclosed is a process comprising converting a hydroxyaluminoxane into a gelatinous composition of matter, whereby the rate of OH-decay for the composition is reduced as compared to that of the hydroxyaluminoxane. Olefin polymerization processes and catalysts formed from these novel compositions of matter also are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides new olefin(s) polymerization catalyst systems, including polytetrafluoroethylene support. The invention also provides methods of preparing the catalyst system, and to the catalyst system's use in a gas or slurry polymerization process.

Abstract: A process is provided to produce a dialkenyl-tricyclic-nonaromatic/olefin polymer. The process comprises contacting at least one dialkenyl-tricyclic-nonaromatic compound, at least one olefin, at least one titanium complex, and at least one aluminoxane in a polymerization zone under polymerization conditions to form the dialkenyl-tricyclic-nonaromatic/olefin polymer.

Abstract: Catalyst compositions comprising a group 4 metal complex and an activator corresponding to the formula: (A*+a)b(Z*J*j)−cd, wherein: A* is a cation of charge +a, selected from the group consisting of ammonium-, sulfonium-, phosphonium-, oxonium-, carbonium-, silylium-, ferrocenium-, Ag+, and Pb+2; Z* is an anion group of from 1 to 50 atoms, not counting hydrogen atoms, further containing two or more Lewis base sites as defined in the claims; 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.

Abstract: A polymerization process for polymerizing at least one olefin in the presence of a pyridyldiimine metal complex as a catalyst having one of the following structures: The metal M of the complex is a transition metal from Group 4b, 5b or 6b of the Periodic Table such as vanadium. The invention also relates to the use of these metal complexes as olefin polymerization or oligomerization catalysts, optionally in combination with metal alumoxane and similar catalyst activators.

Abstract: A polyethylene having the following properties: an annealed density D/weight average molecular weight Mw relationship defined by the equation D>1104.5Mw−0.0116, and a Charpy Impact I/High Load Melt Index H relationship defined by the equation I>35.OH−0.4. Also, a polyethylene film having the following properties: a density of at least 957 kg/m3; a Dart Impact of at least 130 g; and a polydispersity of less than 12. Both may be made using a tridentate nitrogen-containing transition metal polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: A process for preparing a supported catalyst comprises the steps of (1) preparation of a copolymer having comonomer units which comprise leaving groups; (2) polymer-analogous reaction with a substituted or unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl compound, and (3) reaction of the copolymer of (2) with a mono-Cp-metallocene compound.

Abstract: The invention provides new olefin(s) polymerization catalyst systems, including controlled pore glass support.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved olefin catalyst, a method of in situ-activated catalyst preparation and a process for the polymerization of olefinic monomers via, for example, a titanium trichloride/magnesium dichloride/tetrahydrofuran reaction product catalyst precursor. The activated catalyst is prepared in situ in a polymerization reactor using an alumoxane based co-catalyst wherein the cumbersome traditional steps of catalyst activation and isolation, prior to polymerization are eliminated. An unexpected advantage of this invention is a significant increase in catalyst productivity while maintaining a relatively constant value of the bulk density of polymeric materials produced while concomitantly producing a polymeric product having a broad molecular weight distribution compared with typical alumoxane-activated metallocene catalysts.

Abstract: The invention provides new olefin(s) polymerization catalyst systems, including polytetrafluoroethylene support.

Abstract: A supported metallocene catalyst comprising solid fine particles which comprise a reaction product of a metallocene compound and aluminoxane supported on the finely particulate inorganic support, said solid fine particles being produced by carrying out in order of the following steps: (a) reacting a metallocene compound with an aluminoxane in an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent to form a reaction product, (b) contacting the reaction product with a finely particulate inorganic support at a temperature of 85 to 150° C. in the presence of any aromatic hydrocarbon solvent to form a solid product, and (c) washing the solid product with an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent at a temperature of −50° C. to +30° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypropylene wax having a melt viscosity of from 50 to 100,000 mPas at 170° C., a DSC heat of fusion less than 80 J/g, a DSC melting point of greater than 130° C. and a molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn of less than or equal to 3.

Abstract: The present invention provides resin materials endowed with excellent heat resistance, solvent resistance, tensile elongation, toughness, and transparency. Specifically, there are provided an ethylene copolymer having a vinyl group attributed to a diene monomer in the molecular chain and comprising an aromatic vinyl monomer (A), ethylene (B) and a diene monomer (C), and an aromatic vinyl graft copolymer which is a graft copolymerization product of an aromatic vinyl monomer (H) and an ethylene copolymer macromer (I).

Abstract: A solid catalyst for olefin polymerization, obtained by reacting a least one of a hydropolysiloxane compound, having the formula R1aHbSiO(4−a−b)/2, a silane compound of formula R2cSi(OH)4−c, and condensates of the silane, with a compound of formula (MgR32)p.(R3MgX)q to form a reaction product. The reaction product is reacted with an alcohol, having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, to obtain an intermediate product. The intermediate product, is then reacted with water to obtain reaction product. An organoaluminum oxy compound and a metallocene compound are carried on the solid reaction product. The solid catalyst may be used for olefin polymerization. The catalyst requires no deashing treatment and produces a polymer having high bulk density and narrow particle size distribution. Thus the solid catalystenables control of particle size of the polymer in a simple easy manner, and shows no adhesion of polymer onto the inner wall of autoclave.

Abstract: A process for preparing syndiotactic vinylidene aromatic polymers comprising contacting one or more vinylidene aromatic monomers with a concentrated catalyst premix composition comprising a Group 4 metal complex and an activating cocatalyst.

Abstract: An ethylene-aromatic vinyl compound copolymer with an aromatic vinyl compound content of from 1 to less than 55% by molar fraction which contains an isotactic structure in a head-to-tail bond structure containing two aromatic vinyl compound units represented by the following formula (1): wherein Ph is an aromatic group.

Abstract: A process for making a supported, single-site catalyst is disclosed. The transition metal of the catalyst is tethered through a bridged, bidentate ligand that is covalently bound to the support. The catalyst is prepared in a two-step process that involves preparation of a supported ligand from an amine-functionalized support, followed by reaction of the supported ligand with a transition metal compound to give the “tethered”catalyst. An olefin polymerization process that uses the supported catalyst is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metallocene compound as a catalyst component for the polymerization of olefins, said compound, is stable to air and moisture so that generates no hydrogen halide by hydrolysis and easily handled, and has a high storage stability and a high catalyst activity. Specifically, the catalyst component for the polymerization of olefins comprises a transition metal composition represented by the general formula [1] and [2]: (Ra Cp)m(R′b Cp)M(—X—Ar—Yc)4−(m+n)  [1] R″(Rd Cp) (R′e Cp)M(—X—Ar—Yc)2  [2] wherein M is Ti, Zr or Hf; (Ra Cp),(R′b Cp), (Rd Cp) and (R″e Cp ) each is a radical having the cyclopentadienyl skeleton; R″ is a radical which links (Rd Cp) and (R′e Cp); (—X—Ar—Yc) is a grouping in which the aromatic ring Ar substituted by a specified radical Y bonds to M through an oxygen or sulphur atom X.

Abstract: A modified diene elastomer prepared by a process comprising the steps of polymerizing a diolefin compound containing a conjugated double bond in a liquid phase in the presence of a cobalt compound, an organic aluminum compound containing a halogen atom, and water, to give a solution containing a diene elastomer, and reacting the diene elastomer with an elastomer-modifying compound is favorably employed for the manufacture of tire tread, particularly when it is employed in combination with silica as a filler.

Abstract: A polyolefin elastomer possessing a unique combination of properties, i.e., high molecular weight (Mw), high Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 at 125° C.), low polydispersity index (Mw/Mn) and low glass transition temperature (Tg), is obtained by a polymerization process employing a particular type of a metallocene catalyst. The polyolefin elastomer is useful for manufacturing a variety of products including rubber articles such as hoses, belts and moldings, polymer blends containing one or more other hydrocarbon polymers and lubricating oils in which the elastomer functions as a viscosity modifier. Also disclosed is a cocatalyst for activating the metallocene procatalyst employing a specific molar ratio of the components of the cocatalyst to the transition metal of the procatalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst system and a process suited for the preparation of a rubbery copolymer of ethylene, one or more .alpha.-olefins and optionally one or more polyunsaturated compounds, in which the catalyst system comprises a vanadium compound, an organometal compound and optionally a promoter, characterized in that the organometal complex in the catalyst system is an imido complex that satisfies the general formula(R.sub.u -X.sup.1.sub.v -Me.sup.1).sub.n =NR.sup.1 (I)where each individual Me.sup.1 is a metal chosen from group 1, 2, 12 or 13 of the Periodic System of Elements, each individual R is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon group having 1-20 C atoms, N--R.sup.1 is an imido group where R.sup.1 is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon group having 1-20 C atoms or a group with the general formula MR.sup.3.sub.3, where M is an element chosen from group 14 of the Periodic System of Elements, each individual R.sup.3 is hydrogen, a hydrocarbon group having 1-20 C atoms or a heteroatom-containing group, X.sup.

Abstract: This invention relates to metallocene catalyst systems and to methods for their production and use. Specifically, this invention relates to catalyst promoters which increase the activity of the metallocene catalyst systems. The promoters can be, for example, styrene or substituted styrene in one embodiment. The metallocene catalyst systems can be used, for example, to make olefins. The catalyst systems of this invention can be supported.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new olefin polymerization catalyst composition, and methods of preparing and methods of using the catalysts to polymerize various olefinic monomers in either gas or slurry phase reactions. The principal advance over the previous art of record involves using alumoxanes or combinations of alumoxanes as catalyst preactivators. Polymers prepared from these catalysts posses productivity increased as high as 40 percent. At the same time, the bulk density remains relatively constant. Additionally, the total amount of cocatalyst species needed to effectively practice the invention is relatively low.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polymerization catalyst which comprises (A) a transition metal compound represented by the general formula (I)L.sub.d MX.sub.e Y.sub.f Z.sub.g (I)[wherein the respective symbols are as defined in the specification], (B) a compound capable of forming an ionic complex from the transition metal compound of the component (A) or its derivative and, if necessary, (C) an organic aluminum compound; and a process for preparing homopolymerizing or copolymerizing monomers in the presence of the above-mentioned polymerization catalyst. The polymerization catalyst of the present invention has a high activity at 70 to 200.degree. C. which is efficient in an industrial process or at a higher temperature and permits the formation of a (co)polymer which has a high molecular weight and a uniform composition and which can control a molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: A styrene type monomer is polymerized by use of a catalyst consisting of (a) a transition metal compound, (b1) a compound capable of forming an ionic compound by reacting with the transition metal compound, and if necessary (d) an alkylating agent, which comprises subjecting to a polymerization reaction a monomer to which (c) an oxygen-containing compound having a branched alkyl group, or (c) said oxygen-containing compound and (d) all or a part of an alkylating agent have previously been added, or by a process for producing a polymer in which a monomer particularly a styrene type monomer is polymerized by use of a catalyst consisting of (a) a transition metal compound, (b1) a compound capable of forming an ionic compound by reacting with the transition metal compound, (b2) a specific oxygen-containing compound, and if necessary (d) an alkylating agent, which comprises subjecting to a polymerization reaction a monomer to which (c) an oxygen-containing compound having a branched alkyl group, or (c) said oxygen

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymerization catalyst comprising (a) a specific transition metal compound, (b) (i) a compound which can form a complex by reaction with the transition metal compound of component (a) or (ii) a specific compound containing oxygen, and optionally, (c) an alkylating agent, and a process for producing polymers in the presence of said polymerization catalyst.By using the polymerization catalyst of the present invention, decrease in the contents of residual metals in obtained polymers, simplification of the process for producing polymers, and reduction of the production cost of polymers can be achieved, and polymers having a high molecular weight can be obtained.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing vinylidene aromatic monomers, such as styrene, to produce polymers having a high degree of syndiotacticity using a catalyst composition comprising a Group 4 metal complex and a hydrocarbylsilane or di(hydrocarbyl)silane catalyst adjuvant is disclosed.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of crystalline vinylaromatic polymers with a predominantly syndiotactic structure which comprises polymerizing the vinylaromatic monomers, alone or mixed with at least another copolymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer, in the presence of a catalytic system essentially consisting of:a) an adduct between a derivative of titanium having the formula R.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3 R.sub.4 Ti and a calix-[n]-arene, or an oxa-calix-[n]-arene;b) a co-catalyst selected from an alkylalumoxane and a compound of boron having the formula (II):BX.sub.1 X.sub.2 X.sub.3or its salt.

Abstract: Catalysts and processes are described to make low molecular weight, essentially terminally-unsaturated, viscous poly(1-olefin) or copoly(1-olefin) having a high terminal vinylidine content from a feed stock containing one or more 1-olefin and other volatile hydrocarbon liquids using a Ziegler catalyst made from a Group IVb metallocene and an aluminoxane cocatalyst, particularly bis(cyclopentadienyl) and bis(indenyl) titanium(IV), zirconium(IV) or hafnium(IV) compounds and methylaluminoxane. A particularly useful feed stock is a refinery stream containing 1-olefins and isobutylene which is used to make polyisobutylene.

Abstract: A method for the polymerization of cycloolefins in a presence of a nickel (0) compound or a compound which can be converted in situ into a nickel (0) compound, as a catalyst. The catalyst of the present invention exhibits very high catalytic activity towards polymerization of cycloolefins.

Abstract: A method of controlling the molecular weight distribution of a polyalpha-olefin during polymerization, comprising changing the aluminoxane to chromium ratio of a polymerization catalyst comprising chromium and at least one aluminoxane to thereby adjust the molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst for polymerization comprising (A) a transition metal compound containing at least one linkage represented by the general formula (I):M.sup.1 --Z--C (I)wherein M.sup.1 represents a metal element of Groups 3 to 6 or the lanthanide series, and Z represents an element of Group 15, in one molecule, (B) (a) a compound which can form an ionic complex by the reaction with the transition metal compound or (b) a specific oxygen-containing compound, and (C) a metal compound containing alkyl group which is optionally used; and a process for producing a styrenic polymer, particularly a styrenic polymer having a highly syndiotactic configuration, comprising using this catalyst for polymerization.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing a styrenic polymer, especially, syndiotactic polystyrene, which comprises polymerizing a styrenic monomer by the use of (a) a transition metal compound, (b) a coordination complex compound comprising an anion in which a plurality of radicals are bonded to a metal and a cation or methylaluminoxane, (c) an alkylating agent (alkyl group-containing aluminum, magnesium or zinc compound) and (d) a reaction product between a straight-chain alkylaluminum having at least two carbon atoms and water (alkylaluminoxane). The above process is capable of simplifying the production process and producing high-performance styrenic polymer having a high degree of syndiotactic configuration in high catalytic activity without deteriorating the catalyst activity, increasing the amounts of residual metals in the objective polymer or leaving the decomposition products of the alkylaluminum therein, thereby curtailing the production cost of the objective polymer.