| abstract |
A process for producing alpha-olefin dimers comprises contacting, at a temperature of 80° C. or more, a feedstock comprising at least one C 8+ (linear) alpha-olefin with a catalyst system comprising activator and one or more catalyst compounds represented by the formula: n nwhere M is a Group 4 metal; n is 1, 2, or 3; R A is hydrogen or a C 1 to C 10 alkyl; each of R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , and R 8 is independently selected from hydrogen and C 1 to C 10 alkyl; each X is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbyl radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, hydrides, amides, alkoxides, sulfides, phosphides, halides, and a combination thereof, (two X's may form a part of a fused ring or a ring system), the contacting being conducted under conditions effective to oligomerize at least part of C 8+ alpha-olefin to produce an oligomerized product containing at least 30 wt % of the alpha-olefin dimer and at least 80 mol % of vinylidene unsaturation, where the conversion of the alpha olefin is at least 10 wt %, based upon the weight of the alpha olefin monomer entering the reactor and the weight of dimer produced. |