Ethylene dimerization and oligomerization to butene-1 and linear α-olefins

Ethylene oligomerization is of considerable academic and industrial interest for the synthesis of linear alpha-olefins. These olefins are used in the manufacture of plasticizer alcohol, special detergents, synthetic lubricating oils, and as ethylene commonmers. This paper covers current development of new and improved highly selective catalytic systems. In evaluating these catalytic systems, ease of preparation, catalyst performance, and potentialindustrial applications are used as guidelines. The catalyst systems covered include catalysts based on aluminum, zirconium, nickel,and titanium.