Abstract: A multistep process for the selective production of an oligomer oil having predetermined properties in which the first step involves the polymerization of a feedstock containing one or more C3 to C20 1-olefins in the presence of a catalyst comprising a bulky ligand transition metal catalyst and in which a subsequent step involves the olgiomerization of at least a preselected fraction of the product of the first step.

Abstract: A multistep process for the selective production of an oligomer oil having predetermined properties in which the first step involves the polymerization of a feedstock containing one or more C3 to C20 1-olefins in the presence of a catalyst comprising a bulky ligand transition metal catalyst and in which a subsequent step involves the olgiomerization of at least a preselected fraction of the product of the first step.

Abstract: Ethylene and/or propylene are polymerized to form highly branched, liquid polymers by contacting ethylene and/or propylene monomer, in the presence of an inert reaction medium, with a catalyst system which comprises (1) an alkyl aluminum component, (2) an aluminum or gallium trihalide component, and, optionally, (3) a Group 4 metallocene dihalide component.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catalyst composition capable of effecting selective oligomerisation of olefins contained in cracked refinery distillate streams, comprising of olefins, aromatics, paraffins and cycloparaffins. The catalyst composition gives very high conversion of olefins to poly olefins, which after distillation and stabilization by hydrogenation affords lubricating oil base stocks. The catalyst composition comprises of an aluminum halide and a transition metal alkoxide belonging to group IVB.

Abstract: A catalyst and a process are provided for oligomerizing ethylene. A heterogeneous catalyst system comprises: (1) a chelating ligand, preferably 2-diphenyl phosphino benzoic acid (DPPBA); (2) a nickel precursor, preferably nickel chloride hexahydrate (NiCl2.6H2O); (3) a catalyst activator, preferably sodium tetraphenylborate (NaBPh4); and (4) silica. A 1:1:1 molar ratio of Ni:DPPBA:BPh4 catalyst components are fixed on a silica support using low-temperature fixation. The catalyst components are dispersed in a diluent, preferably ethanol, and silica is added. The ethanol is evaporated using freeze-drying equipment to form a silica-supported catalyst system. The silica-supported catalyst is slurried in ethanol in a reactor, and ethylene is added. The reactor pressure and temperature are maintained at about 725 psig and 100° C., respectively, for about two hours.

Abstract: The novel synthetic polyethylene fluids of the present invention are characterized by high viscosity indices (about 94-151 VI), low pour points (about -60 to -10.degree. C.), and a kinematic viscosity of about 6 to 28 cSt KV at 100.degree. C. The product compositions comprise polymers having a molecular weight of from about 300 to 30,000 and a high branching index of 151 to 586 branches per 1000 CH.sub.2 groups, or BI=0.18-0.40, wherein the polymer is substantially free of methyl branches. Highly-branched polyethylene fluids that have less than 5 methyl branches per 1000 CH.sub.2 groups are prepared by polymerizing ethylene in the presence of a catalyst system consisting of [C] and [B], wherein [C] is a catalyst having the empirical formula MX.sub.4 and [B] is a co-catalyst having the empirical formula R.sub.n AlX.sub.3-n, where M is a Group IVB transition metal, X is a halogen anion, R is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel catalyst system which can be preferably used in the trimerization, oligomerization reaction or polymerization reaction of an olefin, and a method for the trimerization, oligomerization or polymerization reaction of an olefin, which comprises using the catalyst system. A catalyst system obtained by contacting the following components (A) to (C):(A) a chromium compound,(B) an imine compound, and(C) a metal alkyl compound, and a method for the trimerization, oligomerization or polymerization reaction of an olefin, which comprises using the catalyst system are disclosed.

Abstract: Alpha-olefins are manufactured in high yield and with very high selectivity by contacting ethylene with an iron complex of a selected 2,6-pyridinedicarboxaldehyde bisimine or a selected 2,6-diacylpyridine bisimine, and in some cases a selected activator compound such as an alkyl aluminum compound. Novel bisimines and their iron complexes are also disclosed. The .alpha.-olefins are useful as monomers and chemical intermediates.

Abstract: The novel synthetic polyethylene fluids of the present invention are characterized by high viscosity indices (about 94-151 VI), low pour points (about -60 to -10.degree. C.), and a kinematic viscosity of about 6 to 28 cSt KV at 100.degree. C. The product compositions comprise polymers having a molecular weight of from about 300 to about 30,000 and a branching index of 151 to 586 branches per 1000 CH.sub.2 groups, or BI=0.18-0.40. A process for preparing such novel synthetic polyethylene fluids comprises polymerizing ethylene in the presence of a catalyst system, said catalyst system comprising [A] and [B], wherein [A] is a catalyst having the formula MX.sub.5 and [B] is a co-catalyst having the formula R.sub.n AlX.sub.3-n where M is a Group VB, VIB, or VIII transition metal; X is a halogen anion; R is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl group; and n is 1-2.

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 process for the continuous oligomerization of ethylene to produce linear alpha olefins by oligomerizing ethylene in a polar phase comprising a solution of transition metal catalyst system at oligomerization conditions including a temperature and pressure greater than the critical temperature and pressure of ethylene. The resulting hydrocarbon phase containing oligomers and unreacted ethylene is subjected to physical treatment which tends to render the ethylene a nonsolvent for oligomers and thereby produce a liquid stream rich in unreacted ethylene which may be recycled to the oligomerization reaction zone by pumping.

Abstract: A catalyst formed by the reaction of a magnesium alkoxide dispersion having a particle size of from 100 to 3000 nm with a compound of a metal selected from the group comprising titanium, zirconium, vanadium and chromium and then with a chlorine-containing organoaluminum compound possesses a very good hydrogen responsiveness and a high activity even in the presence of molecular-weight regulators such as hydrogen. The catalyst is therefore outstandingly suitable for the production of low molecular-weight polyolefins. The catalyst makes possible the production of waxes having a reduced residual ash content. The large particle diameter and the low fines content of the polymer powder produced by suspension polymerization with this catalyst enables easy removal of the suspension medium and drying. The catalyst is furthermore advantageously used in solution polymerization and, because of the large particle diameter, in gas phase polymerization for producing low molecular-weight poly-1-olefins.

Abstract: The disclosure described a process for producing an .alpha.-olefin oligomer, which comprises carrying out oligomerization of an .alpha.-olefin in a solvent in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a chromium-based catalyst system composed of a combination of at least (a) a chromium compound, (b) a nitrogen-containing compound of at least one selected from the group consisting of an amine, an amide and an imide, (c) an alkylaluminum compound and (d) a halogen-containing compound,wherein each of the .alpha.-olefin, the chromium compound (a), the nitrogen-containing compound (b) of at least one selected from the group consisting of an amine, an amide and an imide, the alkylaluminum compound (c) and the halogen-containing compound (d) is supplied to a reaction system in a mode that the chromium compound (a) and the alkylaluminum compound (c) do not contact each other before each of said compounds (a) to (d) and the .alpha.-olefin coexists in the reaction solvent and the oligomerization of an .alpha.

Abstract: A supported Lewis acid catalyst, which comprises an inorganic oxide substrate having immobilized thereon at least one Lewis acid and a modifying agent containing at least one functional moiety capable of reacting with surface hydroxyl groups originally present on said substrate and which is effective as a catalyst for hydrocarbon conversion reactions including cationic polymerization, alkylation, isomerization and cracking reactions is disclosed.

Abstract: A process is provided to trimerize or oligomerize olefins in the presence of an olefin oligomerization catalyst and a solvent which is a product of the olefin oligomerization process.

Abstract: A zirconium catalyzed transesterification process for preparing synthetic wax monomers is disclosed. The monomers are useful in a wide range of polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an .alpha.-olefin oligomer by subjecting .alpha.-olefin to oligomerization in a reaction zone in the presence of a reaction solution containing a chromium-based catalyst, which comprises,continuously conducting said oligomerization of .alpha.-olefin by using said chromium-based catalyst comprising at least a chromium compound (a), a nitrogen-containing compound (b) selected from the group consisting of amines, amides and imides, and an alkyl aluminum compound (c) while maintaining a molar ratio of the .alpha.-olefin oligomer to .alpha.-olefin in the range of 0.05 to 1.00.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved process for the conversion of ethylene into light alpha olefins wherein the ethylene is brought into contact with a catalyst obtained by mixing a compound of zirconium with an organic compound selected from the class of acetals and ketals, esters, ketones, ethers, amines, nitrites, anhydrides, chlorides of acids, amides, aldehydes, thioethers, sulphides and disulphides, thiophenes, thioureas and phosphines, and with a chloro or bromo compound of aluminium hydrocarbyl, in the presence of an additive formed by at least one quaternary ammonium salt.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved process for the conversion of ethylene into but-1-ene, wherein the ethylene is brought into contact with a catalyst obtained by the interaction of an alkyl titanate, possibly mixed with an ether, with a compound of aluminium of the formula AlR.sub.3 or AlR.sub.2 H, and in the presence of an additive formed by at least one polyethylene glycol and/or one of its derivatives such as a monoether or a monoester of polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: Disclosed are ruthenium and osmium carbene compounds which are stable in the presence of a variety of functional groups and which can be used to catalyze olefin metathesis reactions on unstrained cyclic and acyclic olefins. Specifically, the present invention relates to carbene compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein: M is Os or Ru; R and R.sup.1 are independently selected from hydrogen and functional groups C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkenyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkynyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl, aryl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 carboxylate, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkoxy, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkenyloxy, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkynyloxy, aryloxy, C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkoxycarbonyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkylthio, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkylsulfonyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkylsulfinyl; each optionally substituted with C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl, a halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkoxy or with a phenyl group optionally substituted with a halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkoxy; X and X.sup.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a process for preparing .alpha.-olefin oligomers, which comprises carrying out oligomerization of an .alpha.-olefin in a solvent by reacting said .alpha.-olefin in a chromium-based catalyst system composed of a combination of at least a chromium compound, an amine or metal amide, and an alkylaluminum compound, in a contacting mode that the chromium compound and the alkylaluminum compound are not previously contacted with each other.

Abstract: An oligomerization catalyst according to the invention comprises a nickel compound (A); an organophosphoric compound (B); an organoaluminum compound (C); and a compound of the group consisting of carbon-halogen bond-containing compounds, oxoacid and salts thereof, sulfonic acid and derivatives thereof, and compounds of any of the formulae QX.sup.4.sub.n, QR.sub.n, QR'.sub.n, QX.sup.4.sub.1 R.sub.m, QX.sup.4.sub.1 R'.sub.m, QR.sub.1 R'.sub.m, Q.sup.1 (BR.sub.4).sub.p and R"(BR.sub.4) wherein Q is an element of the group consisting of Mg, Ti, Zr, B and Sn, Q.sup.1 is an element of the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Ca and Zn, X.sup.4 is a halogen or hydrogen atom, R is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 hydrocarbon group, R' is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, R" is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 hydrocarbon group or an ammonium group, n is a valence of Q, l, m is a natural member that satisfied n=l+m, and p is a valence of Q.sup.1. This catalyst is useful for the production of alpha-olefinic oligomers.

Abstract: Ethylene is effectively oligomerized to linear alpha-olefins using catalyst systems based on transition metal compounds. It has been found that when the reaction is conducted in a polar organic liquid as solvent, incorporation of water into the solvent at levels of 1 to 10 weight percent increases alpha-olefin purity and also influences the Schulz-Flory distribution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing olefin having a terminal double bond by trimerizing at least one monomer selected from a group consisting of ethylene, propylene, and 1-butene, which comprises using a catalyst comprising a product prepared from(1) component (A): a chromium compound represented by the formula ?1!CrXmYn ?1!wherein X represents carboxylic acid residue, 1,3-diketone residue, halogen atom or alkoxyl group, Y represents amine, phosphine, phosphine oxide, nitrosyl group or ether, m means an integer of from 2 to 4 and n means an integer of from 0 to 4,component (B): a heterocyclic compound having a pyrrole ring unit or an imidazole ring unit, andcomponent (C): an aluminum compound represented by the formula ?2!AlR.sub.k Z.sub.

Abstract: A copolymer having an RSV less than 0.6 and a process for its preparation in which ethylene, at least one other 1-alkene and, optionally, an aliphatic or alicyclic polyunsaturated monomer are polymerized in the presence of a catalyst system containing (1) a compound of vanadium, (2) at least one alkyl aluminum halide, (3) an .alpha.-halo, ketoaromatic promoter and (4) a chain transfer agent in which the molar ratio of alkyl groups of the alkyl aluminum halide to halogen atoms is at least 1.5.

Abstract: A process is provided to inhibit trimerization catalyst system activity which comprises the sequential steps of contacting a reactor effluent stream with alcohol; removing any desired olefin products; adding an aqueous base to the non-olefin portion; removing a precipitate; separating the aqueous and organic phases; and adding an acid to the aqueous phase.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing liquid ethylene-type random copolymers by copolymerizing ethylene and a C.sub.3 --C.sub.2 O alpha-olefin in the presence of a catalyst comprising an alumoxane and a stereorigid metallocene compound described by the formula:R"(CpR.sub.5)(CpR'.sub.5)MeQ.sub.2wherein each Cp is a cyclopentadienyl or substituted cyclopentadienyl ring; each R and R' is the same or different and is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl radical having 1-20 carbon atoms or two R or two R' together form a hydrocarbyl radical having 2-20 carbon atoms; R" is a structural bridge between the two Cp rings imparting stereorigidity to the compound; Me is a transition metal of Group IVb of the periodic table; and each Q is a hydrocarbyl radical having 1-20 carbon atoms or is a halogen. A portion of the alumoxane may be replaced with an alkylaluminum.

Abstract: A solid state insoluble salt catalyst system for the carbocationic polymerization of olefin monomer in the presence of a polar or non-polar reaction medium, which comprises (a) solid state catalyst component comprising at least one salt of a strong acid and a carbocationically active transition metal selected from Groups III A, IV A, V A and VI A of the Periodic Table of Elements, wherein said salt is insoluble in the reaction medium; and (b) cocatalyst component effective for promoting the carbocationic polymerization.

Abstract: The subject invention discloses a technique for controlling the molecular weight of synthetic polymers which are made by anionic polymerization. This invention is based upon the discovery that the molecular weight of diene polymers made by anionic polymerization utilizing organolithium initiators can be reduced by conducting the polymerization in the presence of bis(1,5-cyclooctadiene) nickel. The present invention more specifically discloses a process for producing a polymer of controlled molecular weight by anionic polymerization, said process comprising initiating the anionic polymerization of at least one conjugated diolefin monomer with an organolithium compound, wherein the polymerization is conducted in the presence of bis(1,5-cyclooctadiene) nickel. This technique is particularly useful in synthesizing liquid polymers but can also be used to reduce the molecular weight of rubbery polymers.

Abstract: A supported catalyst component for an olefin polymerization catalyst comprising a solid particulate support, a magnesium halide, and optionally a Group 4 or 5 transition metal compound, a Group 2 or 13 organometal compound, and an electron donor, wherein a majority of particles of the solid particulate support is in the form of an agglomerate of subparticles. A process for preparing this supported catalyst component. A catalyst composition comprising this catalyst component and a cocatalyst. An olefin polymerization process using such a catalyst composition.

Abstract: There is provided a catalytic oligomerization process. The process involves the use of a catalyst comprising an acidic solid. The acidic solid may comprise a Group IVB metal oxide, such as zirconia, modified with an oxyanion of a Group VIB metal, such as tungsten. The oligomers produced by this process may be hydrogenated to produce thermally stable lubricants and lubricant additives, gasoline and diesel.

Abstract: A method for oligomerizing an .alpha.-olefin in the presence of a catalyst comprising a specific chromium compound including chromium atom and pyrrolyl group and an alkylaluminum compound, wherein the .alpha.-olefin is contacted to the chromium compound and the alkylaluminum compound without preliminarily contacting the chromium compound to either the .alpha.-olefin or the alkylaluminum compound.

Abstract: A process for preparing hyperpure propylene (co)polymers comprising polymerizing the monomer(s) in liquid monomer in the presence of a catalyst obtained by reacting an Al-trialkyl compound with a solid catalyst component comprising magnesium dihalide in active form, having supported thereon a titanium chloride or chloroalcoholate, and an ether having the general formula: ##STR1## where R and R" are the same or different and are C.sub.2-18 alkyl, C.sub.3-18 cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-18 aryl, C.sub.7-18 arylalkyl or alkylaryl radicals.

Abstract: Linear alpha-olefin formation via oligomerization of ethylene using transition metal catalysis leads to a Schultz-Flory distribution of oligomers. At modest temperatures formation of heavy oligomers which are waxy solids only partly soluble in the LAO product mix causes reactor plugging and curtailing the time of continuous runs. Recycling a portion of a lighter oligomeric fraction obviates this problem and permits runs uninterrupted by solids formation.

Abstract: Novel chromium-containing compounds, such as, for example, chromium pyrrolides, are prepared by forming a mixture of a chromium salt, a metal amide, and an electron pair donor solvent, such as, for example, an ether. These novel chromium-containing, or chromium pyrrolide, compounds can be used either unsupported or supported on an inorganic oxide support, with a metal alkyl and an unsaturated hydrocarbon, to trimerize, oligomerize, and/or polymerize olefins.

Abstract: A method for oligomerizing an .alpha.-olefin in the presence of a catalyst comprising a specific chromium compound including chromium atom and pyrrolyl group and an alkylaluminum compound, wherein the .alpha.-olefin is contacted to the chromium compound and the alkylaluminum compound without preliminarily contacting the chromium compound to either the .alpha.-olefin or the alkylaluminum compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the polymerization of polyolefins, in which .alpha.-olefins are polymerized in the presence of a catalyst system composed of: the solid catalyst component (A) obtained by reacting a magnesium compound with oxygen-containing organic compounds of a transition metal, aluminum and silicon, followed by further reacting with a halogenated organoaluminum compound, and the catalyst component (B) comprising of organoaluminum compound and/or organoaluminoxane compound. The catalyst system of this invention provides polymers having an excellent particle form and the molecular weight distribution being easily controlled in a wide range, in high activity, and copolymers having a narrow composition distribution range.

Abstract: There is provided an oligomerization process. The process involves the use of a catalyst comprising an acidic solid. The acidic solid may comprise a Group IVB metal oxide, such as zirconia, modified with an oxyanion of a Group VIB metal, such as tungsten. The oligomers produced by this process may be hydrogenated to produce thermally stable lubricants and lubricant additives.

Abstract: C.sub.3 and higher olefins are oligomerized using a two component catalyst system comprising (a) a soluble adduct of zirconium tetrahalide, the halogen being Br or Cl, with an organic compound selected from the group of esters, ketones, ethers, amines, nitriles, anhydrides, acid chlorides, amides or aldehydes, the organic compound having up to about 30 carbon atoms and (b) an alkyl metal selected from the group R.sub.2 AlX, RAlX.sub.2, R.sub.3 Al.sub.2 X.sub.3, R.sub.3 Al and R.sub.2 Zn where R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl and X is Cl or Br. ZrCl.sub.4 adducts with organic acetates are the preferred embodiments. Dimers, trimers and tetramers are selectively prepared in the process.

Abstract: An alpha-olefin oligomer consisting essentially of repeating units having the structural formula: ##STR1## wherein x represents an integer from 3 to 11, inclusive; andy represents the number of repeating units in the oligomer such that the weight average molecular weight is from about 5,000 to about 20,000;said oligomer having from about 70 to 100 percent head-to-tail alignment of the repeating units of the oligomer. Preferably the weight average molecular weight of the oligomer is from 5,000 to about 10,000; and said oligomer is further characterized as having a dispersity of less than about 5.5, and a Z average molecular weight of less than about 24,000.

Abstract: Organic aluminoxy compounds are prepared by reacting an organo boronic acid with a trihydrocarbyl aluminum compound. The resulting products are suitable as components for catalyst systems for the polymerization of olefins.

Abstract: In a transition metal catalyst system, the improvement comprising including in the catalyst system an autoacceleration inhibitor, which (i) at about the temperature at which the catalyst system autoaccelerates, decomposes into a poison for the catalyst system; (ii) is present in the catalyst system in an amount sufficient to provide the quantity of poison required to inhibit the autoacceleration of the catalyst system at the autoacceleration temperature; and (iii) is either essentially inert at the normal operating temperature of the catalyst system or will cause substantially less inhibition of the catalyst system at the normal operating temperature than at the autoacceleration temperature.

Abstract: Novel chromium-containing compounds, such as, for example, chromium pyrrolides, are prepared by forming a mixture of a chromium salt, a metal amide, and an electron pair donor solvent, such as, for example, an ether. These novel chromium-containing, or chromium pyrrolide, compounds can be used either unsupported or supported on an inorganic oxide support to trimerize and/or polymerize olefins.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided an olefin polymerization catalyst formed from:[A] a compound of a transition metal belonging to Group IV B of the periodic table,[B] an aluminoxane, and[C] water,an olefin polymerization catalyst formed from [D] an organoaluminum compound in addition to the above-mentioned [A], [B] and [D] components, and processes for the polymerization of olefins using the above-mentioned olefin polymerization catalysts, respectively.

Abstract: A process for propene oligomerization catalyzed by transition metal complexes in liquid phase to give propene oligomers with a high content of terminal double bonds, comprises oligomerizing propene in the presence of a catalyst of the formula ICp.sub.2 MX.sub.2 Iwhere Cp is an unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl unit and/or a mono-C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkylcyclopentadienyl unit, M is zirconium or hafnium and the ligands X are each hydride and/or halide and/or methyl, and in the presence of an aluminoxane cocatalyst, and where the ratio of the amounts of the catalyst I and the aluminoxane cocatalyst is such that the M/Al atomic ratio is from 1:250 to 1:1000, employing a temperature of from 50.degree. to 110.degree. C. and a pressure of from 30 to 100 bar.

Abstract: Process for the conversion of ethylene into light alpha olefins, mainly 1-butene, 1-hexene and 1-octene, in which the ethylene is contacted with a catalyst obtained by reacting a performed mixture of alkyl zirconate and ether with a chlorine or bromine-containing aluminum compound.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of olefins of the general formula (CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2).sub.p --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 in which formula R is a hydrocarbyl group and p is an integer of at least 1, comprising reacting ethene with at least one additional alpha olefin of the general formula R--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 under oligomerization conditions in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a first component which is a bis(cyclopentadienyl) Group IVA metal compound containing a substituent which is attached to the metal and which is capable of reacting with a cation, and a second component which is a compound having a bulky anion containing a plurality of boron atoms and which is substantially non-coordinating under the reaction conditions and a cation, and recovering an oligomeric product comprising linear olefins of the general formula R--(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2).sub.p --CH.dbd.CH.sub.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for producing a linear .alpha.-olefin by the oligomerization of ethylene, characterized in that the oligomerization is carried out in the presence of a catalyst composed of (A) titanium halide or zirconium halide, (B) an organoaluminum compound, and (C) an alcohol (methanol and/or ethanol). The linear .alpha.-olefin has an extremely high purity because it is not contaminated with the catalyst components.

Abstract: An ethylene oligomerization process is provided wherein ethylene is contacted with an organonickel(II) compound, a phosphine compound and an alkylaluminum compound in a first solvent to produce a precursor reaction mixture, followed by contacting ethylene with the precursor reaction mixture and a fluorinated organoacid, preferably in a second solvent, to produce a product reaction mixture comprising the desired oligomerization product. Results of the process can be optimized by employing phosphorus-containing additives as described herein.

Abstract: An ethylene oligomerization process is provided wherein ethylene is contacted with a nickel(II) halide compound, a phosphine compound and a zinc component in a solvent to produce a precursor reaction mixture, followed by contacting ethylene with the precursor reaction mixture and a fluorinated organoacid to produce a product reaction mixture comprising the desired oligomerization product.