OLIGOMERIZATION OF 1-DECENE WITH ZIEGLER-NATTA CATALYSTS

The catalytic oligomerization of 1-decene has been carried out employi ng several transition metal complexes of Co(II), Co(III), Zr(IV), Ti(I V), Cr(III), V(V) in combination with alkyl aluminum halides as cocata lysts. The chromium(III)-Et(3)Al(2)Cl(3) system exhibits good oligomer izing activity yielding dimers (C-20), trimers (C-30) and tetramers (C -40) of 1-decene. The kinematic viscosities and pour points of hydroge nated oligomers have been determined and compared with those of commer cial samples. The probable mechanism of oligomerization of 1-decene on this catalyst is described.