Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the continuous production of a polyolefin, preferably polypropylene, in a horizontal stirred bed polymerization reactor by contacting one or more olefins, preferably propylene, with a catalyst system while stirring, said catalyst system comprising: * a procatalyst comprising i) titanium; ii) a magnesium-containing support, preferably a magnesium chloride-containing support, and iii) an internal electron donor; * optionally an external electron donor; and * a co-catalyst, being a alkyl aluminum catalyst having formula AlXnR3-n, wherein each X is independently a halide or a hydride and wherein n is 0, 1 or 2, preferably 0, and wherein R is an C1-C12 alkyl group, preferably ethyl, wherein the molar ratio of aluminum (Al) from the co-catalyst to titanium (Ti) from the procatalyst (Al/Ti) is at least 75. The present invention also relates to polyolefin prepared using said process and a shaped article comprising said polyolefin.

Abstract: Provided is a room temperature-curable resin composition containing an aluminum chelate compound. This aluminum chelate compound is an aluminum chelate compound having a ?-dicarbonyl compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein each of R1 to R3 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group or a halogen atom; R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group; and A is a group selected from a group represented by the following formula (2) and a group represented by —OR8: wherein each of R5 to R7 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group or a halogen atom; and R8 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to prepare alkylaluminoxanes by reaction of alkylaluminium with methacrylic acid or a conjugated unsaturated carbonyl-functional compound of the formula (I) wherein each R1 and R2 independently are an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and R3 independently is the same hydrocarbon group as R1 and R2 or a hydrogen atom, and R4 isanaliphatic hydrocarbon group, a hydroxyl group or a hydrogen atom in the presence of an inert organic solvent. Additionally, it relates to the alkylaluminoxanes obtainable by the above process and their use.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a catalyst composition comprising titanium-, zirconium- and/or hafnium amidinate complexes and/or titanium-, zirconium- and/or hafnium guanidinate complexes and organo aluminium and/or organic zinc compounds, a coordinative chain transfer polymerization (CCTP) process employing the catalyst composition as well as long chain aluminium alkyls and subsequent alcohols obtained by such process.

Abstract: There is provided a catalyst composition for polymerizing a conjugated diene monomer containing a rare earth complex having a specific structure and a specific compound.

Abstract: The method of making polyolefin with a silicon nitride nano-filler uses silicon nitride (SiN) as a promoter for in situ polymerization with a zirconocene catalyst. The method includes adding the bis(cyclopentadienyl) zirconium dichloride catalyst and nanoparticles of silicon nitride to a reactor. The reactor is then charged with toluene and a methylaluminoxane co-catalyst, and is heated for a period of time sufficient to bring the reactor to a polymerization reaction temperature. Nitrogen gas is removed from the reactor following the heating, and then ethylene monomer is fed into the reactor, initiating polymerization. The polymerization is then quenched, and non-reacted monomer is vented. The polyolefin product is then removed from the reactor, washed and dried.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for polymerizing olefins in which the amount of trimethylaluminum in a methylalumoxane solution is adjusted to be from 1 to 25 mol %, prior to use as an activator, where the mol % trimethylaluminum is determined by 1H NMR of the solution prior to combination with any support. This invention also relates to a process for polymerizing olefins in which the amount of an unknown species present in a methylalumoxane solution is adjusted to be from 0.10 to 0.65 integration units prior to use as an activator, where the amount of the unknown species is determined by the 1H NMR spectra of the solution performed prior to combination with any support. Preferably, the methylalumoxane solution is present in a catalyst system also comprising a metallocene transition metal compound.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a polyethylene polymer characterised by the following properties: A number average molecular weight Mn of at least 2.0*105 g/mol, a weight average molecular weight of at least 2.0*106 g/mol, a Mw/Mn ratio of above 6, and a strain hardening slope of below 0.10 N/mm at 135° C. It has been found that a polymer with these properties have be converted through solid state processing into films and fibers with good properties. A solid state processing process, films and fibers, and their use are also claimed.

Abstract: A process for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers in a reaction mixture includes the step of contacting olefin monomers and a catalytically effective amount of an initiating composition containing (A) a heterogeneous perfluoroaryl substituted Lewis acid coinitiator selected from the group consisting of open chain and cyclic aluminoxane compounds or Group 13 perfluoroaryl Lewis acid compounds of formula (III) and (B) an initiator selected from the group consisting of (i) organic compounds, (ii) halogens, (iii) interhalogens; (iv) Brönsted acids, (v) boron halides; (vi) silicon compounds; and (vii) germanium compounds. A novel initiator system is further disclosed.

Abstract: The reaction product of the reaction product of A.) a ligand of the formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 in each occurrence independently are the same or different hydrocarbyl substituents of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, hydrogen, halogen, or alkoxy groups of 1 to 8 carbon atoms; X in each occurrence independently is CR6 with R6 being hydrogen or an alkyl group of 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and R5 is an organic divalent group of 4 to 40 carbon atoms with the proviso that the two nodes X are not bound to the same atom or to vicinal atoms in the group R5; B.) an aluminum compound of the formula AlR7R8R9, wherein R7, R8 and R9 each independently is a C1 to C12 hydrocarbyl group, hydrogen, halogen, or an alkoxy group of 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and C.) a Lewis base selected from the group consisting of amines, phosphines, amides, nitriles, isonitriles, and alcohols is useful as a polymerization catalyst, particularly for the homopolymerization or copolymerization of an alkylene oxide.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a process and polymerization system to produce isoolefin polymers (72) utilizing polymorphogenates (16, 26) in the catalyst system to control polydispersity (MWD). The disclosure also provides a catalyst system (20) comprising a plurality of active catalyst complex species (34) formed by combination of a Lewis acid (24), an initiator (22) and a polymorphogenate (26), as well as polymers made using the catalyst system or process. The polymorphogenate (16, 26) can promote or mimic the formation of different active catalyst complex species (34) having different polymerization rates, i.e. different rates of propagation, chain transfer, or termination, as observed by different polydispersities resulting from the presence of relatively different proportions of the polymorphogenate.

Abstract: A procatalyst carrier system which includes one or more paraffinic solvents, one or more paraffin-insoluble procatalysts, and optionally one or more cocatalysts wherein the carrier system is in the form of a slurry is provided. Also provided is a process including selecting one or more paraffin-insoluble organometallic procatalysts; adding the one or more procatalysts to a sufficient quantity of paraffinic solvent to form a slurry of the one or more procatalysts in the paraffinic solvent; introducing one or more first cocatalysts into a polymerization reactor; and introducing the slurry into the polymerization reactor; a reaction product of the process and articles made from the reaction product.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for polymerizing olefins in which the amount of trimethylaluminum in a methylalumoxane solution is adjusted to be from 6 to 25 mole %, prior to use as an activator, where the mole % trimethylaluminum is determined by 1H NMR of the solution prior to combination with any support. This invention also relates to a process for polymerizing olefins in which the amount of an unknown species present in a methylalumoxane solution is adjusted to be from 0.10 to 0.65 integration units prior to use as an activator, where the unknown species is the peak is identified in the 1H NMR spectra of the solution performed prior to combination with any support. Preferably, the methylalumoxane solution is present in a catalyst system also comprising a metallocene transition metal compound.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method is disclosed to increase the activity of an ionic liquid catalyst comprising emulsifying the ionic liquid catalyst with one or more liquid components. In an embodiment, a method is disclosed comprising introducing into a reaction zone a monomer feed and a reduced amount of ionic liquid catalyst and controlling an amount of shear present in the reaction zone to maintain a desired conversion reaction of the monomer. In an embodiment, a catalyzed reaction system is disclosed comprising a reactor configured to receive one or more liquid components and ionic liquid catalyst; a device coupled to the reactor for adding high shear to the liquid components and ionic liquid catalyst; and a controller coupled to the device for adding high shear and configured to control the amount of shear added to a catalyzed reaction zone to maintain a conversion reaction.

Abstract: [Object] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing an olefin polymer, with which an olefin polymer having good particle properties can be produced in high activity, contamination inside the polymerization vessel, such as a vessel wall or an impeller, can be effectively prevented, and a long-term stable operation is achieved. [Means for Achieving the Object] A method for producing an olefin polymer according to the present invention is characterized by including (co)polymerizing at least one olefin selected from the group consisting of ethylene and ?-olefins having 3 to 20 carbon atoms in a polymerization vessel in the presence of (A) a solid catalyst component for olefin polymerization, (B) an aliphatic amide, and (C) an organoaluminum compound.

Abstract: A catalyst composition comprising one or more metal complexes of a multifunctional Lewis base ligand comprising a bulky, planar, aromatic- or substituted aromatic-group and polymerization processes employing the same, especially continuous, solution polymerization of one or more ?-olefins at high catalyst efficiencies are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnesium compound-supported nonmetallocene catalyst, which is produced by directly contacting a catalytically active metallic compound with a nonmetallocene ligand-containing magnesium compound, or by directly contacting a nonmetallocene ligand with a catalytically active metal-containing magnesium compound, through an in-situ supporting process. The process is simple and flexible. In the process, there are many variables in response for adjusting the polymerization activity of the catalyst, and the margin for adjusting the catalyst load or the catalyst polymerization activity is broad. The magnesium compound-supported nonmetallocene catalyst according to this invention can be used for olefin homopolymerization/copolymerization, in combination with a comparatively less amount of the co-catalyst, to achieve a comparatively high polymerization activity. Further, the polymer product obtained therewith boasts high bulk density and adjustable molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a catalyst system for synthesizing rubbery polymers, such as polybutadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, isoprene-butadiene rubber, or styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber, that are amine functionalized and have a high trans microstructure. The catalyst system, in one embodiment, includes (a) an organolithium amine compound, (b) a group IIa metal salt of an amino glycol or a glycol ether, (c) an organoaluminum compound, and optionally (d) an amine compound. The amine functionalized rubbery polymers can be utilized in tire tread rubbers where the rubbery polymers may provide desirable wear properties without substantially sacrificing other performance characteristic(s), e.g., traction properties.

Abstract: A production process of a polymerization catalyst of an alkylene oxide, comprising a step of contacting an alumoxane compound with a compound having a hydroxyl group; a production process of a pre-polymerized polymerization catalyst thereof, comprising a step of pre-polymerizing an alkylene oxide in the presence of the above polymerization catalyst; and a production process of a poly(alkylene oxide), comprising a step of polymerizing an alkylene oxide in the presence of the above polymerization catalyst or pre-polymerized polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: A cycloolefin-based copolymer and a hydrogenation process are disclosed, wherein the cycloolefin-based copolymer is prepared by using: a monomer which can be easily and economically obtained by hydrogenating dicyclopentadiene that occupies much of C5 fractions from naphtha cracking; or a monomer which can be obtained by chemically bonding three molecules of cyclopentadiene via Diels-Alder reactions and then hydrogenating the cyclopentadiene. The copolymer can be used in various fields as an amorphous transparent resin.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a process and polymerization system to produce isoolefin polymers (72) utilizing polymorphogenates (16, 26) in the catalyst system to control polydispersity (MWD). The disclosure also provides a catalyst system (20) comprising a plurality of active catalyst complex species (34) formed by combination of a Lewis acid (24), an initiator (22) and a polymorphogenate (26), as well as polymers made using the catalyst system or process. The polymorphogenate (16, 26) can promote or mimic the formation of different active catalyst complex species (34) having different polymerization rates, i.e. different rates of propagation, chain transfer, or termination, as observed by different polydispersities resulting from the presence of relatively different proportions of the polymorphogenate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a catalyst system for synthesizing rubbery polymers, such as polybutadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, isoprene-butadiene rubber, or styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber, that are amine functionalized and have a high trans or high vinyl microstructure. The catalyst system, in one embodiment, includes an organolithium amine compound, and one or more of (a) a group IIa metal salt of an amino glycol or a glycol ether, (b) an organoaluminum compound, or (c) an amine compound. The amine functionalized rubbery polymers can be utilized in tire tread rubbers where the rubbery polymers may provide desirable wear properties without substantially sacrificing other performance characteristic(s), e.g., traction properties.

Abstract: A process for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers in a reaction mixture includes the step of contacting olefin monomers and a catalytically effective amount of an initiating composition containing (A) a heterogeneous Lewis acid coinitiator selected from the group consisting of open chain and cyclic aluminoxane compounds and (B) an initiator selected from the group consisting of (i) organic compounds, (ii) halogens, (iii) interhalogens; (iv) Brönsted acids, (v) boron halides; and (vi) silicon compounds. A novel initiator system is further disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a molecular weight controllable, high 1,4-trans polybutadiene catalyst system, and more particularly, a four-component catalyst for preparing 1,4-trans polybutadiene with high yield, the catalyst comprising a cobalt compound, an organoaluminum compound, a phenol-based compound, and a phosphorus-based compound used to prepare 1,4-trans polybutadiene by polymerizing butadiene or a butadiene derivative, and capable of controlling the molecular weight of 1,4-trans polybutadiene by regulating the amount of the phosphorus-based compound. In particular, 1,4-trans polybutadiene may be efficiently applied to tires, belts, or the like since it has excellent tensile strength, tear strength, and cut & chip properties with increasing processability.

Abstract: The reaction product of the reaction product of A.) a ligand of the formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 in each occurrence independently are the same or different hydrocarbyl substituents of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, hydrogen, halogen, or alkoxy groups of 1 to 8 carbon atoms; X in each occurrence independently is CR6 with R6 being hydrogen or an alkyl group of 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and R5 is an organic divalent group of 4 to 40 carbon atoms with the proviso that the two nodes X are not bound to the same atom or to vicinal atoms in the group R5; B.) an aluminum compound of the formula AlR7R8R9, wherein R7, R8 and R9 each independently is a C1 to C12 hydrocarbyl group, hydrogen, halogen, or an alkoxy group of 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and C.) a Lewis base selected from the group consisting of amines, phosphines, amides, nitriles, isonitriles, and alcohols is useful as a polymerization catalyst, particularly for the homopolymerization or copolymerization of an alkylene oxide.

Abstract: A method of copolymerizing cyclic olefins and polar vinyl olefins, a copolymer produced by the method, and an optical anisotropic film including the copolymer are provided. According to the copolymerization method, a cyclic olefin and a polar vinyl olefin can be effectively copolymerized using a catalyst system composed of a compound containing a group 13 element and a radical initiator. The resulting copolymer is transparent, and has high adhesion, thermal stability, optical anisotropy and strength, and a low dielectric constant. The optical film including the copolymer can be used as a plastic lens, a polarizer protective film, an adhesive film, and a compensation film, and in a LCD display.

Abstract: A method of copolymerizing cyclic olefins and polar vinyl olefins, a copolymer produced by the method, and an optical anisotropic film including the copolymer are provided. According to the copolymerization method, a cyclic olefin and a polar vinyl olefin can be effectively copolymerized using a catalyst system composed of a compound containing a group 13 element and a radical initiator. The resulting copolymer is transparent, and has high adhesion, thermal stability, optical anisotropy and strength, and a low dielectric constant. The optical film including the copolymer can be used as a plastic lens, a polarizer protective film, an adhesive film, and a compensation film, and in a LCD display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the polymerization of olefins, comprising the steps of introducing at least one olefin, at least one polymerization catalyst, at least one cocatalyst and at least one cocatalyst aid, and optionally a scavenger, into a polymerization reactor, and polymerizing the olefin, wherein the cocatalyst aid is a reaction product prepared separately prior to the introduction into the reactor by reacting at least one metal alkyl compound of group IIA or IIIA of the periodic system of elements and at least one compound (A) of the formula RmXR?n, wherein R is a branched, straight, or cyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, R? is hydrogen or any functional group with at least one active hydrogen, X is at least one heteroatom selected from the group of O, N, P or S or a combination thereof, and wherein n and m are each at least 1 and are such that the formula has no net charge.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pneumatic tire having at least one component comprising a vulcanizable rubber composition, wherein the vulcanizable rubber composition comprises, based on 100 parts by weight of elastomer (phr), from about 30 to 100 phr of high trans random SBR, and from about zero to about 70 phr of at least one additional elastomer, wherein the high trans random SBR comprises from about 3 to about 30 percent by weight of styrene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing an isobutene polymer using a cyclopentene derivative as initiator and to the isobutene polymer obtainable by means of the process and to particular functionalization products thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pneumatic tire having at least one component comprising a vulcanizable rubber composition, wherein the vulcanizable rubber composition comprises, based on 100 parts by weight of elastomer (phr), from about 30 to 100 phr of high trans random SBR, and from about zero to about 70 phr of at least one additional elastomer, wherein the high trans random SBR comprises from about 3 to about 30 percent by weight of styrene.

Abstract: (1) A methacrylic ester or an acrylic ester is anionically polymerized, using a polymerization initiator compound comprising an addition reaction product of a conjugated diene compound and an organic alkali metal compound, in the presence of a tertiary organoaluminum compound having in the molecule thereof a chemical structure represented by a formula: Al—O—Ar wherein Ar represents an aromatic ring; or (2) a methacrylic ester or an acrylic ester is anionically polymerized, using a polymerization initiator compound comprising an addition reaction product of an organic alkali metal compound and a compound having a 1,1-diaryl-1-alkene structure, by adding the ester in the form of a mixture with the above-mentioned specific tertiary organoaluminum compound to the polymerization system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pneumatic tire having at least one component comprising a vulcanizable rubber composition, wherein the vulcanizable rubber composition comprises, based on 100 parts by weight of elastomer (phr), from about 30 to 100 phr of high trans random SBR, and from about zero to about 70 phr of at least one additional elastomer, wherein the high trans random SBR comprises from about 3 to about 30 percent by weight of styrene.

Abstract: In a process for the anionic polymerization of vinylaromatic monomers or dienes in the presence of a lithium organyl or lithium alcoholate and a magnesium and/or an aluminum compound, a sterically hindered phenol or amine is added.

Abstract: The group IIa metal containing catalyst system of this invention can be utilized to synthesize rubbery polymers having a high trans microstructure by solution polymerization. Such rubbery polymers having a high trans microstructure content, such as polybutadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, can be utilized in tire tread rubbers that exhibit improved wear and tear characteristics. This invention more specifically reveals a catalyst system which is comprised of (a) an organolithium compound, including organolithium functionalized compounds, (b) a group IIa metal salt selected from the group consisting of group IIa metal salts of di(alkylene glycol)alkylethers and group IIa metal salts of tri(alkylene glycol) alkylethers, and (c) an organoaluminum compound, and optionally an organomagnesium compound.

Abstract: Process for the copolymerization of free radical polymerizable comonomers such as vinyl acetate with an unsaturated diester such as diakyl fumarate which is carried out in the presence of water to produce copolymers such as fumarate vinyl acetate copolymers useful as lubricating oil and fuel oil additives, for example, as wax crystal modifiers and flow improvers.

Abstract: A radical (co)polymerization of ethylene is carried out under high pressure in the presence of at least one initiating free radical (Z•) and of at least one controlling stable free radical (SFR•) which comprises the indoline nitroxide backbone represented by the formula (I). A is a hydrocarbonaceous chain forming an aromatic ring with the two carbon atoms to which it is attached, this ring being able to carry substituents or being able to carry one or more rings placed side by side, which rings are aromatic or aliphatic and optionally substituted, the carbon atoms forming the nitrogenous ring and in the alpha- and beta-position with respect to the nitrogen atom being able to carry hydrogen atoms or substituents.

Abstract: A new class of “living” free radical initiators that are based on alkylperoxydiarylborane and its derivatives and that may be represented by the general formula. R—[O—O—B—&phgr;1(—&phgr;2)]n wherein n is from 1 to 4, R is a hydrogen or a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl radical having a molecular weight from 1 to about 500, and &phgr;1 and &phgr;2, independently, are selected from aryl radicals, based on phenyl or substituted phenyl groups, with the proviso that &phgr;1 and &phgr;2 can be the chemically bridged to each other with a linking group or with a direct chemical bond between the two aryl groups to form a cyclic ring structure that includes a boron atom are disclosed.

Abstract: Vanadium complex having general formula (I) (RCOO)nVXpLm  (I) wherein R is a monofunctional hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and from 1 to 6 halogen atoms, selected from chlorine and bromine, preferably chlorine; X is chlorine or bromine, preferably chlorine; L is an electron donor; p+n=3, 4 or 5, preferably=3; n is greater than or equal to 1; m is between 0 and 3. The preparation of the above complex is also described together with its use in the (co)polymerization of &agr;-olefins.

Abstract: Ethylene and/or propylene are polymerized to form high molecular weight, linear polymers by contacting ethylene and/or propylene monomer, in the presence of an inert reaction medium, with a catalyst system which consists essentially of (1) an aluminum alkyl component, such as trimethylaluminum, triethylaluminum, triisobutylaluminum, tri-n-octylaluminum and diethylaluminum hydride and (2) a Lewis acid or Lewis acid derivative component, such as _B(C6F5)3, {(CH3)2N(H)(C6H5)}+{B(C6F5)4}−, {(C2H5) 3NH}+{B(C6F5)4}−, {(C6F5)3C}+{B(C6F5)4}−, {(C6F5)3C}+{B(C6F5)3(Cl)−}, (C2H5) 2Al(OCH3), (C2H5)2Al(2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenoxide), (C2H5)Al(2,6-di-t-butylphenoxide)2, (C2H5)2Al(2,6-di-t-butylphenoxide), 2,6-di-t butylphenol.methyl-aluminoxane or an alkylaluminoxane, and which may be completely free any transition metal component(s).

Abstract: It is known to polymerize olefins using transition metal complexes and/or compounds. There is an ongoing search for catalysts for olefin polymerization which do not rely on transition metals as the active center. The present invention provides novel aluminum phosphinimine complexes, containing additional heteroatoms which are useful in the polymerization of olefins.

Abstract: This description addresses fluorinated amine compounds meeting the general formula R′iArF-ER2, where ArF is a fluoroaryl group, E is nitrogen or phosphorous, each R is independently a C1-C20 hydrocarbyl group, or the two Rs may connect to form an unsubstituted or substituted C2-C20 cycloaliphatic group, R′ is a C1-C20 hydrocarbyl or halogenated hydrocarbyl, and i is 0, 1 or 2. These compounds may be protonated with strong Bronsted acids to form protonated amine compounds that are useful for the preparation of organometallic catalyst-cocatalyst compounds comprising noncoordinating or weakly coordinating anions. The resulting organometallic catalyst-cocatalyst complexes can be effectively used as olefin polymerization catalysts.

Abstract: A new class of “living” free radical initiators that are based on alkylperoxydiarylborane and its derivatives and that may be represented by the general formula. R—[O—O—B-&phgr;1(-&phgr;2)]n wherein n is from 1 to 4, R is a hydrogen or a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl radical having a molecular weight from 1 to about 500, and &phgr;1 and &phgr;2, independently, are selected from aryl radicals, based on phenyl or substituted phenyl groups, with the proviso that &phgr;1 and &phgr;2 can be the chemically bridged to each other with a linking group or with a direct chemical bond between the two aryl groups to form a cyclic ring structure that includes a boron atom are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an acrylic acid ester polymer, includes carrying out polymerization of an acrylic acid ester or block copolymerization of an acrylic acid ester and another (meth)acrylic monomer in the presence of an organolithium compound and an organoaluminum compound represented by the following formula (I):

Abstract: In a process for the homopolymerization of vinylaromatic monomers or the copolymerization of vinylaromatic monomers and dienes in the presence of at least one alkali metal compound and at least one compound of an element of group 3a of the Periodic Table of the elements, the compounds contain, based on the sum of molar equivalents of alkali metal and elements of group 3a, in each case a) from 0.1 to 3.9 molar equivalents of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen or phosphorus and b) from 0.1 to 3.9 molar equivalents of an organyl ligand.

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 Group 4 transition metal complex containing a boron or aluminum bridging group containing a nitrogen containing electron donating group, especially an amido group.

Abstract: Homopolymers, copolymers or block copolymers are prepared by anionic polymerization of acrylates and/or methacrylates in the presence of an initiator composition containing A) an organic alkali metal compound, B) an organic aluminum compound and C) an additive which forms a complex with the alkali metal cation and is selected from the group consisting of open-chain ethers having at least two ether oxygen atoms, macrocyclic ethers and cryptands, or from the group consisting of quaternary cations of the general formula I  where A is N, P, As or Sb and Ra, Rb, Rc and Rd, independently of one another, are each unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl or aryl, where two neighboring radicals, together with the heteroatom A, may form a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic structure which may contain one or two further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur atoms.

Abstract: A method for preparing a conjugated diene polymer characterized by polymerizing a conjugated diene in vapor phase in the presence of an inorganic filler used as a rubber reinforcement agent and a catalyst which comprises (a) a compound containing a rare earth element of an atomic number of from 57 to 71 in the Periodic Table or a compound obtained by the reaction of this rare earth element-containing compound and a Lewis base, (b) an organic aluminum compound of the formula AlR.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 or an almoxane, and (c) a halogen-containing compound. The vapor phase polymerization ensures easy control of the molecular weight of the polymer better dispersion of a rubber enforcement agent, and provides a rubber composition with improved rupture characteristics and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a crosslinkable styrene or styrene derivative polymer having narrow molecular weight distribution by radical polymerization of a styrene or styrene derivative monomer and other comonomer, wherein the polymerization is conducted in the presence of a catalyst system composed of a free radical compound and a radical polymerization initiator. With the present process, a heat- or photo-crosslinkable styrene or styrene derivative polymer having excellent rheology controlling ability and excellent reaction efficiency of a functional group can be obtained.