Preparation of linear olefin products

Abstract

A process for preparing and controlling the M.sub.n in the range of 70 to 700 of a reaction product comprising at least 90 mole % linear alpha olefins which includes polymerizing an ethylene containing gas in the presence of the reaction product of a Zirconium metal compound with R.sub.2 AlX, wherein R is an alkyl group having about 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 5, most preferably ethyl, and X is Cl or Br, in the presence of a diluent at a temperature of about 75.degree. to 200.degree. C. and an ethylene pressure above about 50 psia, wherein the mole ratio of ethylene to olefin reaction product is above 0.8 throughout the reaction, wherein the product olefin concentration is greater than 5 wt. % based on the diluent and reaction product, wherein the M.sub.n of said reaction product is controlled by the molar ratio of said R.sub.2 AlX/ZrCl.sub.4, said molar ratio being between 100:1 to 0.1:1.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.