Ziegler-Natta catalyst deactivation and neutralization

A solution polymerization process for producing ethylene-based polymer comprising:

• introducing ethylene monomer, hydrocarbon solvent, and Ziegler-Natta catalyst into a solution polymerization reactor;
• producing the ethylene-based polymer by solution polymerizing the ethylene monomer and the hydrocarbon solvent in the solution polymerization reactor using the Ziegler-Natta catalyst;
• introducing catalyst deactivator to the solution polymerization reactor, thereby producing hydrochloric acid byproduct,
• wherein the catalyst deactivator comprises:
• long chain carboxylate and at least one cation selected from Groups 1, 2, and 12 of the IUPAC periodic table, with an exception of calcium,
• wherein the catalyst deactivator reduces effectiveness of the Ziegler-Natta catalyst and neutralizes the hydrochloric acid by forming a chloride salt other than calcium chloride,
• wherein the catalyst deactivator is added to the solution polymerization reactor in an amount from greater than or equal to 0.2 molar equivalents to less than 8.0 molar equivalents with respect to the hydrolyzable chlorides, and
• wherein the catalyst deactivator is added to the exit of the solution polymerization reactor when a temperature within the solution polymerization reactor is from greater than or equal to 160° C. to less than or equal to 220° C.