| abstract |
A process for preparing linear alpha olefins and waxes having a total product Mn in the range 200 to 700 comprising at least 90 mole percent linear alpha olefins which includes polymerizing an ethylene containing gas in the presence of the reaction product of a zirconium halide compound with an aluminum cocatalyst selected from the group consisting of dialkyl aluminum alkoxides or aryloxides and dialkyl aluminum disubstituted amides in the presence of a diluent at a temperature of about 50 DEG to 200 DEG C. and an ethylene pressure above about 3.5 MPa, wherein the Mn of said reaction product is controlled by the molar ratio of said aluminum cocatalyst/Zr halide, said molar ratio being less than about 1. |