Catalyst composition and a process for the oligomerization of ethylene

A process for the oligomerization of ethylene comprising contacting ethylene in a reactor with a catalyst composition comprising a transition metal bisphenolate compound and a co-catalyst wherein the transition metal bisphenolate is a zirconium (IV) bisphenolate represented by formula (I):

• wherein
• R and R2 are, independently of one another, the same or different, H, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl or halogen;
• R1 is —CH2—;
• X is halogen, β-diketonate, —OR, or —OOCR, wherein R is H, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl or halogen;
• m=1 or 2 and
• n=0 or 2
• wherein the oligomerization temperature ranges between 30° C. and 120° C.