| abstract |
A process for dimerizing an alpha-olefin of the general formula: RCH=CH2, where R is alkyl, cycloalkyl, or cycloalkenyl with a carbon number ranging from 1 to 30, to a vinylidene olefin comprises contacting said alpha-olefin at temperatures between -60 °C and 280 °C with a catalyst comprising (a) a metallocene having the general formula (cyclopentadienyl)nMY4-n wherein n = 2 or 3, M is titanium, zirconium of hafnium and each Y is individually selected from hydrogen, C1-C5 alkyl, C6-C20 aryl, C2-C20 alkoxy, C2-C20 ester, and halogen, (b) an alkylaluminoxane other than methylaluminoxane, and (c) trimethylaluminum. |