Zirconium Catalyzed Ethylene Oligomerization

Abstract

A review of the scientific and patent literature on oligomerization of ethylene to linear olefins in the presence of homogenous or heterogeneous zirconium complexes and various aluminum organic compounds has been fulfilled for last twenty‐five years. Over these years, a wide range of studies had been conducted for selective oligomerization of ethylene into a narrow fraction of linear α‐olefins such as C 4 ‐C 8 and C 6 ‐C 10 fractions. During the discussion of these catalytic systems, exceptional attention is also paid to feature works such as the activity of the catalysts and the acquisition of clear liquid product without any trace of polymer, all of which play important roles in the selection of the best technology.