Title of Invention

A PROCESS FOR THE POLYMERIZATION OF ETHYLENE

Abstract A process for the polymerization of ethylene and from 0 to 50 weight percent of at least one additional alpha olefin having from three to ten carbon atoms, characterized in that said process is conducted in the presence of; (a) a catalyst component for ofefin polymerization which is an unbridged organometallic complex described by the formula: whereinM is a metal selected from group consisting of titanium, hafnium, zirconium or vanadium; Pl is a phosphinimine ligand defined by the formula: wherein each R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of (a) a hydrogen atom, (b) a halogen atom (c) C1-20 hydrocarbyl radicals which are unsubstttuted by or further substituted by a halogen atom, (d) a C1-18 alkoxy radical, (e) a C6-10 aryl or aryloxy radical (f) an amido radical (g) a sifyl radical of the formula: wherein each R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a C1-6 afkyl or alkoxy radical, C6-10 aryl or aryloxy radicals, and (h) a germanyl radical of the formula: wherein R2 is as defined above ;HA is a heteroltgand characterized by (a) containing a heteroatom selected from N.S.B.O or P, and (b) being bonded to M through a sigma or pl bond with proviso that H is not a phosphinimine ligand as defined above; L is an activatable Itgand; n is 1,2 or 3 depending upon the valence of M with the proviso that L is not a cyclopentadientf, indenyi or fluorenyl figand; and (b) an activator.
Full Text (PHOSPHINIMINE/HETEROATOM CATALYST COMPONENT )
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to an olefin polymerization catalyst component which is an organometallic complex having a phosphinimine ligand, a heteroatom ligand and at least one activatable ligand. The catalyst component is further characterized by the-absence of any cyclopentadienyl ligand.
BACKGROUND ART
Certain "metallocenes" (especially bis-cyclopentadieny) complexes of group 4-metals) are highly productive catalysts for olefin polymerization when used in combination with an appropriate activator (see, for example, United States Patent ("USP") 4,542,199 (Sinn et al) and USP 5,198,401 (Hlatky and Turner).
Olefin polymerization catalysts having one cyclopentadienyl ligand and one phosphinimine ligand are disclosed in a commonly assigned EP-A-0881233.(Stephan et al).
We have now discovered a family of highly active olefin polymerization catalysts which do not contain a cyclopentadienyl ligand.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

wherein M is a metal selected from group 3-10 metals; PI is a phosphinimine ligand defined by the formula:
The present invention provides a catalyst component for olefin polymerization which is an unbridged organometallic complex described by the formula:

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wherein each R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of (a) a hydrogen atom, (b) a halogen atom (c) C1-20 hydrocarbyl radicals which are unsubstiluted by or further substituted by a halogen atom, (d) a C-3 alkoxy radical, (e) a C6-10 aryl oraryloxy radical, (f) an amido radical (which may be substituted), (g) a silyl radical of the formula:
—Si—(R2)3
wherein each R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a C1-8 alkyl or alkoxy radical, C6-10 aryl or aryloxy radicals, and (h) a germanyl radical of the formula:
Ge—(R2)3
wherein R2 is as defined above; H is a heteroligand characterized by (a) containing a heteroatom selected from N, S, B, O or P, and (b) being bonded to M through a sigma or pi bond with the proviso that H is not a phosphinimine ligand as defined above; L is an activatable ligand; n is 1, 2 or 3 depending upon the valence of M with the proviso that L is not a cyclopentadienyl, indenyl or fluorenyl ligand.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 1. Description of Catalyst Component
The catalyst component of this invention is unbridged. The term "unbridged" is meant to convey its conventional meaning, namely that there is not a bridging group which connects the phosphinimine ligand and the heteroatom ligand with formal bonds. (By contrast, many metallocene catalysts having two cyclopentadienyl-type ligands are "bridged" with, for example, a dimethyl silyl "bridge" in which the silicon atom is formally bonded to both of the cyclopentadienyl ligands.) "Unbridged" catalyst components are typically less expensive to synthesize than the corresponding bridged analogues.

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1.1 Metals
The catalyst component of this invention is an organometallic complex of a group 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 metal (where the numbers refer to columns in the Periodic Table of the Elements using IUPAC nomenclature). The preferred metals are selected from groups 4 and 5, especially titanium, hafnium, zirconiunr or vanadium.
1.2 Phosphinimine Ligand
The catalyst component of this invention must contain a phosphinimine ligand which is covalently bonded to the metal. This ligand is defined by the formula:
R1 \ R1_ P = N-
/ R1
R1 \ R1 —P = N-
/ R1
wherein each R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, C1-20 hydrocarbyl radicals which are unsubstituted by or further substituted by a halogen atom, a C1-8 alkoxy radical, a C6-10 aryl or aryloxy radical, an amido radical, a silyl radical of the formula:
-Si-(R2)3
-Si-(R2)3 wherein each R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of
hydrogen, a C1-8 alkyl or alkoxy radical, C6-10 aryl or aryloxy radicals, and a germanyl radical of the formula:
Ge-(R2)3
Ge-(R2)3 wherein R2 is as defined above.
The preferred phosphinimines are those in which each R is a hydrocarbyl radical. A particularly preferred phosphinimine is tri-(tertiary butyl) phosphinimine (i.e. where each R1 is a tertiary butyl group).
1.3 Activatable Ligand
The term "activatable ligand" refers to a ligand which may be activated by a cocatalyst (also known as an "activator" to facilitate olefin polymerization. Exemplary activatable ligands are independently selected

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from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom;"a halogen atom, a C1-10 hydrocarfoyl radical, a C1-10 alkoxy radical, a C5-10 aryl oxide radical; each of which said hydrocarbyl, alkoxy, and aryl oxide radicals may be unsubstituted by or further substituted by a hafogen atom, a C1-8 alkyl radical, a C1-8 alkoxy radical, a C6-10 aryl or aryl oxy radical, an amido radical which is unsubstituted or-substituted by up to two C1-8 alkyl radicals; a phosphido radical which is unsubstituted or substituted by up to two C1-8 alkyl radicals.
The activatable ligands must not be cyclopentadienyl ligands (or related ligands such as indenyl or fluorenyl).
The number of activatabie ligands depends upon the vaiency of the metal and the valency of the activatable ligand. The preferred catalyst metals are group 4 metals in their highest oxidation state (i.e. 4*) and the preferred activatable ligands are monoanionic. Thus, the preferred catalyst components contain a phosphinimine ligand, a heteroatorn ligand. and two (monoanionic) activatable ligands bonded to the group 4 metal. In some instances, the metal of the catalyst omponent may not be in the highest oxidation state. For example, a titanium (111) component would contain only one activatable ligand. 1.4 Heteroliaand
The heteroligand is also essential to this invention. This ligand contains at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of boron, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus or sulfur. The heteroligand may be sigma or pi-bonded to the metal. Exemplary heteroligands are described in sections 1.4.1 to 1.4.6 below, 1.4.1 Ketirnide Liaands
As used herein, the term "ketimide ligand" refers to a ligand which:
a) is bonded to the group 4 metal via a metal-nitrogen atom
bond;
b) has a single substituent on the nitrogen atom, (where this
single substituent is a carbon atom which is doubly bonded to the N atom);
and
a)
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c) has two substituents (Sub 1 and Sub 2, described below) which are bonded to the carbon atom.
Conditions a, b, and c are illustrated below:

The substituents "Sub 1 and Sub 2" may be the same or different. Exemplary substituents include hydrocarbyls having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; silyl groups, amido groups and phosphido groups. For reasons of
cost and convenience it is preferred that these substituents both be
hydrocarbyls, especially simple alkyls and most preferably tertiary butyl.
1.4.2 Silicone-Containinq Heteroligands
These ligands are defined by the formula:
- (u)SiRxRyRz
where the - denotes a bond to the transition metal and ? is sulfur or oxygen.
The substituents on the Si atom, namely Rx, Ry and R2 are required in order to satisfy the bonding orbital of the Si atom. The use of any particular substituent Rx, Ry or Rz is not especially important to the success of this invention. It is preferred that each of Rx, Ry and Rz is a C1-4 hydrocarbyl group such as methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or tertiary butyl (simply because such materials are readily synthesized from commercially available materials).
1.4.3 Amido Liqands
The term "amido" is meant to convey its broad, conventional meaning. Thus, these ligands are characterized by (a) a metal-nitrogen bond; and (b) the presence of two substituents (which are typically simple alkyl or silyl groups) on the nitrogen atom.

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1.4.4 Alkoxy Liqands
The term "alkoxy" is also intended to convey its conventional meaning. Thus these ligands are characterized by (a) a metal oxygen bond, and (b) the presence of a hydrocarbyl group bonded to the oxygen atom. The hydrocarbyl group may be a ring structure and/or substituted (e.g. 2, 6 di-tertiary butyl phenoxy).
1.4.5 Boron Heterocvclic Ligands
These ligands are characterized by the presence of a boron atom in a closed ring ligand. This definition includes heterocyclic ligands which also contain a nitrogen atom in the ring. These ligands are weilknown to those skilled in the art of olefin polymerization and are fully described in the literature (see, for example, USPs 563Z 659: 5,554,775 and the references cited therein).
1.4.6 Phosohole Liqands
The term "phosphole" is also meant to convey its conventional meaning. "Phosphole" is also meant to convey its conventional meaning. "Phospholes" are cyclic dienyl structures having four carbon atoms and one phosphorus atom in the closed ring. The simplest phosphole is C4PH4 (which is analogous to cyclopentadiene with one carbon in the ring being replaced by phosphorus). The phosphole ligands may be substituted with, for example, C1-20 hydrocarbyl radicals (which may, optionally, contain halogen substituents); phosphido radicals; amido radicals; silyl or alkoxy radicals.
Phosphole ligands are also well known to those skilled in the art of olefin polymerization and are described as such in USP 5,434,116 (Sone, to Tosoh). 2. Description of Activators (or "Cocatalvsts")
The catalyst components described in part 1 above are used in combination with an "activator" (which may also be referred to by a person skilled in the art as a "cocatalyst") to form an active catalyst system for olefin polymerization. Simple aluminum alkyls and alkoxides may provide comparatively weak cocatalytic activity under certain mild polymerization

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conditions. However, the preferred activators are alumoxanes and so-called ionic activators, as described below.
2.1 Alumoxanes
The alumoxane activator may be of the formula:
(R4)2AIO(R4AIO)mAI(R4)2
wherein each R4 is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-20 hydrocarbyl radicals and m is from 0 to 50, preferably R4 is a C1-4 alkyl radical and m is from 5 to 30. Methylalumoxane (or "MAO") is the preferred alumoxane.
Alumoxanes are well known as activators for metallocene-type catalysts.
Activation with alumoxane generally requires a molar ratio of aluminum in the activator to (group 4) metal in the catalyst from 20:1 to 1000:1. Preferred ratios are from 50:1 to 250:1.
2.2 Ionic Activators
Ionic activators are also well known for metallocene catalysts. See,
for example, USP 5,198,401 (Hlatky and Turner). These compounds may
be selected from the group consisting of.
(i) compounds of the formula [R5]+ [B(R7)4] wherein B is a boron atom, R5 is a cyclic C5-7 aromatic cation or a triphenyl methyl cation and each R7 is independently selected from the group consisting of phenyl radicals which are unsubstituted or substituted with from 3 to 5 substituents selected from the group consisting of a fluorine atom, a C1-4 alkyl or alkoxy radical which is unsubstituted or substituted by a fluorine atom; and a silyl radical of the formula -Si-(R9)3, wherein each R9 is independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom and a C1-4 alkyl radical; and
(ii) compounds of the formula [(R8)tZH]+[B(R7)4] wherein B is a boron ? atom, H is a hydrogen atom, Z is a nitrogen atom or phosphorus atom, t is 2 or 3 and R8 is selected from the group consisting of C1-8 alkyl radicals, a phenyl radical which is unsubstituted or substituted by up to three C1-4 alkyl radicals, or one R8 taken together with the

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nitrogen atom may form an anilinium radical and R7 is as defined
above; and (iii) compounds of the formula B(R7)3 whereinR7 is as defined above.
in the above compounds preferably R7 is a pentafiuorophenyl radical, and R5 is a triphenylmethyl cation, 2 is a nitrogen atom and R8 is a C1-4 alkyf radical or R8 taken together-with the nitrogen atom forms an anilinium radical which is substituted by two C1-4 alkyl radicals,
The "ionic activator* may abstract one or more activatabie ligands so as to ionize the catalyst center into a cation but not to covalently bond with the catalyst and to provide sufficient distance between the catalyst and the ionizing activator to permit a polyrrierizabie ofefin to enter the resulting active site.
Examples of ionic activators include: triethyfammonium tetra(phenyl)boron, tripropyiarnmonium tetra(phenyl)boron, tri(n-butyi)ammoniumtetra(phenyl)boron, tnmethylammonium tetra(p-totyl)boron, trimethylammonium tetra(o-to!yl)boron, tributyiamrnonium tetra(pentafluorophenyl)boron, tripropylammonium tetra(o,p-dirnethylphenyl)boron, tributyiamrnonium tetra(m,m-dimethytphenyl)boron, tributylammonium tetra(p-trifluoromethylphenyl)boron, tributytammonium teira(pentafiuoropheny!)boron, tri{n-butyl)ammonium tetra(o-tolyl)boron N,N-dimethylanilinium tetra(phenyl)boron, N,N-diethylanilinium tetra{phenyl)boron, N,N-diethylaniiiniumtetra(phenyl)n-butylboron, N,N-2,4,6-pentamethyfanilinium tetra(phenyl)boron di-(isopropyt) ammonium tetra(pentaftuorophenyl)boron, dicyclohexylammonium tetra(phenyl)boron triphenyiphosphonium tetra(phenyl)boron, tri(methylphenyl)phosphonium tetra(phenyl)boron,

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tri(dimethylphenyl)pbosphonium.tetra(phenyl)boron, tropillium tetrakispentaffuorophenyl borate, triphenylmethylium tetrakispentafluorophenyl borate, benzene (diazoniurn) tetrakispentaffuorophenyl borate, tropillium phenyltrispentafluorophenyl borate, triphenyimethylium phenyitrtspentaffuorophenyl borate, . benzene (diazonium) phenyltrispentafluorophenyl borate, tropillium tetrakis (2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl) borate, triphenylmethylium tetrakis (2,3,5,6-tetrafiuorophenyl) borate, benzene (diazonium) tetrakis (3,4,5-trifluorophenyl) borate, tropiilium-tetrakis (3,4,5-trifluorophenyl) borate, benzene (diazonium) tetrakis (3,4,5-trifluorophenyl) borate, tropillium tetrakis (1,2,2-trifluoroethenyl) borate, triphenylmethylium tetrakis (1,2,2-trifluoroethenyl) borate, benzene (diazonium) tetrakis (1,2,2-trifluoroethenyl) borate, tropillium tetrakis (2,3,4,5-tetrafluorophenyl) borate, iriphenyfmeihyfium tetrakis (2,3,4,5-tetraffuorophenyl) borate, and benzene (diazonium) tetrakis (2,3,4,5-tetrafluorophenyl) borate.
Readily commercially available ionic activators include: N,N- dimethylaniliniumtetrakispentafluorophenyl borate; triphenySmethyfium tetrakispentafluorophenyl borate; and trispentafluorophenyl borane. 3. Homogeneous or Heterogeneous Catalyst
The catalyst system of this invention may be used in a homogeneous form iixspfution polymerization (where the term "homogeneous" means that the catalyst and cocatalyst/activator are soluble in, or miscible with, the polymerization solvent). However, when the catalyst is employed in a slurry or gas phase polymerization, it is highly preferred to use the catalyst in a heterogeneous or "supported form". It is also highly preferred that the catalyst does not cause reactor fouling. The art of preparing Heterogeneous catalysts which do not lead to reactor fouling is not adequately understood, though it is generally accepted that

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the catalytic material should be very well anchored to the-support so as to reduce the incidence of fouling resulting from the deposition of catalyst or cocatalyst which has dissociated from the support.
In general, heterogeneous catalysts may be grouped into three main categories:
3.1. Unsupported Alumoxane/Catalyst Mixtures
These catalysts may be easily prepared by evaporating the solvent or diluent from a liquid mixture of an alumoxane and the catalyst component. The resulting product is a solid at room temperature due to the comparatively nigh molecular weight of the alumoxane. There are two disadvantages to this approach, namely cost (i.e. alurnoxanes are comparatively expensive - and the alumoxane is used as an expensive "support" material) and "reaction continuity/fouling" (i.e. the alumoxane may partially melt under polymerization conditions, leading to reactor instability/fouling). United States Patent (USP) 4,752,597 (Turner, to-Exxon) illustrates this approach for the preparation of a heterogeneous catalyst:.
3.2. Metal Oxide Supported Catalysts
These catalysts are prepared by depositing the catalyst component and a cocatalyst on a very porous metal oxide support. The catalyst and cocatalyst are substantially contained within the pore structure of the metal oxide particle. This means that a comparatively large metal oxide particle is used (typically particle size of from 40 to 80 microns). The preparation of this type of supported catalyst is described in USP 4,808,561 (Welbom, to Exxon).
3.3. Filled/Spray Dried Catalysts
This method of catalyst preparation is also well known. For example, USPs 5,648,310; 5.674,795 and 5,672.669 (all to Union Carbide) teach the preparation of a heterogeneous catalyst by spray drying a mixture which contains a metallocene catalyst, an alumoxane cocatalyst and a "filler" which is characterized by having a very small particle size (less than one micron) and by being unreactive with the

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catalyst and cocatalyst. The examples illustrate the use of very fine particle size "fumed" silica which has been treated to reduce the concentration of surface hydroxvls. The resulting catalysts exhibit good productivity. Moreover, they offer the potential to provide a catalyst which is not prone to "hot spots" (as the catalyst may be evenly distributed, at low concentration, throughout the heterogeneous matrix). However, these catalysts suffer from the potential disadvantage of being very friable because they are prepared with a fine, "inert" filler material which does not react with/anchor to the catalyst or cocatalyst.
Friable catalyst particles lead to the formation of "fines" in the polyethylene product, and may also aggravate reactor fouling problems.
An alternative approach is the preparation of spray dried catalysts using a hydrotalcite as a "reactive" filler (as opposed to the unreactive filler described in the above-mentioned USP to Union Carbide). This method of catalyst preparation is described in more detail in a commonly assigned patent application. Either approach is suitable for use with the catalysts of this invention. 4. Polymerization Processes
The catalysts of this invention are suitable for use in any conventional olefin polymerization process, such as the so-called "gas phase", "slurry", "high pressure" or "solution" polymerization processes.
The use of a heterogenous catalyst is preferred for gas phase and slurry processes whereas a homogeneous catalyst is preferred for the solution process.
The polymerization process according to this invention uses ethylene and may include other monomers which are copolymerizable therewith such as other alpha olefins (having from three to ten carbon atoms, preferably butene, hexene or octene) and, under certain conditions, dienes such as hexadiene isomers, vinyl aromatic monomers such as styrene or cyclic olefin monomers such as norbomene.
The present invention may also be used to prepare elastomeric co-and terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and optionally one or more diene

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monomers. Generally, such elastomeric polymers will contain about 50 to abut 75 weight % eihylene, preferably about 50 to 60 weight % ethylene and correspondingly from 50 to 25 % of propylene. A portion of the monomers, typically the propylene monomer, may be replaced by a conjugateddiolefin. The diolefinrnay be present rnamountsupto 10 weight % of the polymer although, typically is present in amounts from about 3 to 5 weight %: The resulting polymer may have a composition comprising from 40 to 75 weight % of ethylene; from 50 to 15 weight % of propylene and up to 10 weight % of a diene monomer to provide 100 weight % of the polymer. Preferred but not limiting examples of the dienes are dicyclopentadiene, ,1 ,4-hexadiene, 5-methylene-2-norbornenei 5-ethytidene-2-norbomene and 5-viny!-2-norbomene. Particularly preferred dienes are 5-ethyiidene-2-norbornene and 1,4-hexadiene.
The polyethylene polymers which may be prepared in accordance with the present invention typicallyxomprise not less than 80, preferably not less than 70 weight % of ethylene and the balance one or more C4-10 alpha olefins, preferably selected ;from the group consisting of 1 -butene, 1 -hexene and 1-octene. The polyethylene prepared in accordance with the present invention may be linear low density polyethylene having density from about 0.910 to 0.935 g/cc. The present invention might also be useful to prepare polyethylene having a density below 0.910 g/cc - the so-called very low and ultra low density polyethylenes.
The most preferred polymerization process of this invention encompasses the use of the novel catalysts (together with a cocatalyst) in a medium pressure solution process. As used herein, the term "medium pressure solution process" refers to a polymerization carried out in a solvent for the polymer at an operating temperature from 100 to 320°C (especially from 120 to 220°C) and a total pressure of from 3 to 35 mega Pascals. Hydrogen may be used in this process to control (reduce) molecular weight. Optimal catalyst and cocatalyst concentrations are affected by such variables as temperature and monomer concentration but may be quickly optimized by non-inventive tests.

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Further details concerning the medium pressure polymerization process are well known to those skilled in the art and widely described in the open and patent literature.
The catalyst of this invention may also be used in a slurry polymerization process or a gas phase polymerization process.
The typical slurry Dolymerization process uses total reactor pressures of up to about 50 bars and reactor temperature of up to about 200°C, The process employs a liquid medium (e.g. an aromatic such as toluene or an alkane such as hexane, propane or isobutane) in which the polymerization takes place. This results in a suspension of solid polymer particles in the medium. Loop reactors are widely used in slurry processes. Detailed descriptions of slurry polymerization processes are widely reported in the open and patent literature.
in general, a fiutdized bed gas phase polymerization reactor employs a "bed" of polymer and catalyst which is fiuidized by a flow of monomer which is at least partially gaseous. Heat is generated by the enthalpy of polymerization of the monomer flowing through the bed. Unreacted monomer exits the fluidized bed and is contacted with a cooling system to remove this heat. The cooled monomer is then re-circulated through the polymerization zone together with *make-up" monomer to replace that which was polymerized on the previous pass. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the "fluidized" nature of the polymerization bed helps to evenly distribute/mix the heat of reaction and thereby minimize the formation of localized temperature gradients (or "hot spots"). Nonetheless, it is essential that the heat of reaction be properly removed so as to avoid softening or melting of the polymer (and the resultant-and highly undesirable - "reactor chunks"). The obvious way to maintain good mixing and cooling is to have a very high monomer flow through the bed. However, extremely high monomer flow causes undesirable polymer entrapment.
An alternative (and preferable) approach to high monomer flow is the use of an inert condensable fluid which will boil in the fluidized bed

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(when exposed to the enthalpy of polymerization), then exit the fluidized bed as a gas, then come into contact with a cooling element which condenses the inert fluid. The condensed, cooled fluid is then returned to the polymerization zone and the boiling/condensing cycle is repeated.
The above-described use of a condensable fluid additive in a gas. phase polymerization is often referred to by those skilled in the art as "condensed mode operation" and is described in additional detail in USP 4,543,399 and USP 5,352,749. As noted in the 399 reference, it is permissible to use alkanes such as butane, pentanes or hexanes as the condensable fluid and the amount of such condensed fluid preferably does not exceed about 20 weight per cent of the gas phase.
Other reaction conditions for the polymerization of ethylene which are reported in the 399 reference are:
Preferred Polymerization Temperatures: about 75°C to about 115°C (with the lower temperatures being-preferred for lowermeltihg copolymers - especially those having densities of less than 0.915 g/cc -and the higher temperatures being preferred for higher density copolymers and homopolymers);
Pressure: up to about 6.9 (with a preferred range of from about 100 to 350 psi for olefin polymerization).
The '399 reference teaches that the fluidized bed process is well adapted for the preparation of polyethylene but further notes that other monomers may be employed - as is the case in the process of this invention. EXAMPLES
The invention will now be illustrated in further detail by way of the following non-limiting examples. For clarity, the Examples have been divided into three parts, namely Part A (Catalyst Component Synthesis), Part B (Solution Polymerization) and Part C (Gas Phase Polymerization). Polymer Analysis
Gel permeation chromatography ("GPC") analysis was carried out using a commercially available chromatograph (sold under the name

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Waters 150 GPC) using 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene as the mobile phase at 140°C. The samples were prepared by dissolving the polymer in the mobile phase solvent in an external oven at 0.1% (weight/volume) and were run without filtration. Molecular weights are expressed as polyethylene equivalents with a relative standard deviation of 2.9% and 5.0% for the number average molecular weight (Mn) and weight average molecular weight (Mw), respectively. Melt index (Ml) measurements were conducted according to ASTM method D-1238-82.
Polymer densities were measured using pressed plaques (ASTM method D-1928-90), with a densitometer.
The following abbreviations are used in the Examples:
lBu = tertiary butyl (e.g. 'Bu3 = tri-tertiary butyl)
Me = methyl
Et = ethyl
1H NMR = proton nuclear magnetic resonance
iPr = isopropyl
Ph - phenyl
Mw = weight average molecular weight
Mn = number average molecular weight
PD = polydispersity (or Mw/Mn)
PE = polyethylene
Cat = catalyst
Hr = hour
M = molar
PART A Catalyst Component Synthesis A.1 Synthesis of (1Bu3PN)TiCl3 Method 1:
(tBu3PN)2TiCI2 (0.22 g, 0.3992 mmol, prepared by refluxing a— mixture of 2 moles tBu3P=NSiMe3 + 1 mole TiCI4 in toluene) and TiCI4 (75 mg, 0.3992 mmol) was refluxed in toluene (10 mL) for about 3 hours. An almost colorless solution formed, which was pumped to dryness to give

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the product in quantitative yield. 1H NMR (toluene-d8, ?) 1.088 (d,3Jp.H = 14 Hz). Method 2:
To a toluene (25 mL) solution of TiC4 (0.19 g, 1 mmol) at -78°C was added slowly a mixture of tBu3P=NH (0.-22 g,-1 mmol) and Et3N (0.1 g, 1 mmol) in toluene (25 mL).- The orange color of the solution faded immediately.The solution was slowly warmed to room temperature, stirred for a couple of hours and was filtered at 60°Cto remove the white precipitate (Et3NHCI). The filterate was evaporated under vacuum to dryness to give the product as white crystalline solid. Yield: 95%. The same NMR data as above.

A.2 Synthesis of (1Bu3PN)(1Bu3SiO)TiClz
NaOSi(Bu3 (387 mg, 1.626 mmol) in toluene (20 mL) was added to a cold (-78°C) toluene solution (20 mL) of (tBu3PN)TiCl3(603 mg, 1.626 mmol). The solution was warmed to room temperature, stirred for 2 hours and was pumped to dryness. The solid was redissolved in hexane and the hexane solution was filtered. The filtrate was slowly pumped to dryness to give shiny colorless crystals of the product (895 mg, 100% yield). 'H NMR (toluene-d8, ?): 1.345(s, 27H), 1.17(d, 13.6 Hz, 27H).


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A.3 Synthesis of (tBu3PN)(Bu3SiO)TiMe2
To a toluene solution (~ 20 mL) of (lBu3PN)(IBu3SiO)TiCl2 (0.841 g, 1.164 mmol) at~78°C was added a 3M diethyl ether solution of MeMgBr (1 mL, 3 mmol). The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature, stirred for 2 hours and pumped to dryness. The solid was extracted with hexane- (3 x 15 mL) and the hexane extract was slowly evaporated to dryness. Coloriesscrystals of (tBu3PN)(tBu3SiO)TiMe2were obtained {0.592 mg, -100% yield). 'H NMR (toluene-d8, ?): 1.363(s, 27H), 1.251(d, J = 13.2HZ, 27H), 0.936(s, 6H).

A.4 Synthesis of (tBu3PN)(tBu2CN)TiCl2
lBu2CNLi (0.168 g, 1.141 mmol) in toluene (20 mL) was added to a toluene solution (20 mL) of (tBu3PN)TiCl3 at -78°C. The solution was warmed to room temperature and was stirred for 1 hour. An orange solution formed, which was pumped to dryness and was redissolved in hexane (20 mL). The hexane solution was filtered and the filtrate was slowly evaporated to dryness, Orange crystals of ('Bu3PN)(tBu2CN)TiCl2 (0.542 g, 100% yield) was obtained, 1H NMR (toluene-d8 ?): 1.283(s, 18H), 1.204(d, J = 13.8Hz,27H).


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A.5 Synthesis of (tBu3PN)(tBu2CN)TiMe2
To a solution of (tBu3PN)(tBu2CN)TiCI2 (0.350 g, 0.736 mmol) in toluene at -78°C was added a diethyl ether solution (3M) of MeMgBr (0.8 mL, 2.4 mmol). The orange color of the solution faded to light orange immediately.The solution was warmed to room temperature, stirred for 1 hour and pumped to dryness. The solid was extracted with hexane (3x15 mL) and the hexane extract was slowly evaporated under vacuum to dryness. The product was obtained as light orange crystals (0.317 g, 99% yield). 1H NMR (toluene-da, ?): 1.353(s, 18H), 1.263(d, J = 12.8Hz, 27H), 0.828(s, 6H).

A.6 Synthesis of (tBu3PN)VOCI2

tBuPNSiMe3 (1.02 g, 3.52 mmoi) in toluene (10 mL) was added to a toluene solution (50 mL) of VOCI3 (0.610 g. 3.52 mmol) at -78CC. The red color of the solution did not fade until it was heated to 100°C for 1 hour. An orange solution formed with a tiny amount of green tar on the wall of the flask. After 2 hours at 100°C, the light orange solution was transferred into another flask to separate from the green tar and was pumped slowly to dryness. Orange crystalline material (1.1 g, 88% yield) was obtained. 1H NMR (toluene-d8, ?): 1.16 (d, J = 14 Hz).
Bu', /8U *"
19
A.7 Synthesis of (tBu3PN)[N(SiMe3)2]TiCl2
A hexane solution (10 mL) of LiN(SiMe3)2 (0.167 g," 1 mmol) was slowly added to a suspension of (tBu3PN)TiCI3 (0.37 g, 1 mmol) in hexane (50 mL) at -78°C. The mixture was then warmed to room temperature. After stirring for 12 hours, all volatiles were removed under vacuum. The residue was dissolved in hexane and LiCI was removed by filtration. The product crystallized as yellow crystals from a concentrated hexane
solution at-35°C. Yield: 85%. 1HMMR in (toluene-d8, ?): 1.23 (d, 3JP.H = 13.7 Hz, 27H, But); 0.57 (s, 18H, SiCH3).

A.8 Synthesis of (tBu3PN) [N(SiMe3)2]TiMe2
To a toluene (50 mL) solution of (tBu3PNJ[N(SiMe3)2]TiCl2 (0.1 g, 0.2 mmol) at -78°C was added slowly a diethyl ether solution of MeMgBr (3M, 0.15 mL, 0.45 mmol). The system was then warmed to room temperature and a slurry formed. After 2 hours at room temperature with stirring, all volatiles were removed under vacuum and the residue was extracted with hexane. The product crystallized as yellowish crystals from
hexane at-35°C. Yield: 75%. 1H NMR in (toluene-d8, ?): 1.27 (d, 3JP.H = 12.4 Hz, 27H, But); 1.16 (s, 6H, TiCH3); 0.57 (s, 18H, SiCH3).


20
A,9 Synthesis of (tBu3PN)(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl)Ticl2
To a hexane (50 mL) suspension of (tBu3PN)TiCI3 (0.74 g, 2 mmol) at -78°C was added slowly a hexane (20 mL) solution of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-lithium (0.294 g, 2 mmol). The system was then warmed to room temperature A yellow solution formed. After 12 hours at roortr temperature with stirring, all votatileswere removed undervacuum The residue was dissolved in hexane and the solution was filtered to remove LiCI. The yellow crystalline product was obtained by crystallization
at-35°C in hexane. Yield: 78%. 1H NMR in (toluene-d8, ?): 1.31 (d, 3JP-M = 13.9 Hz, 27H, But); 1.94 (s, 12H, NCCH3); 1.36 (s, br, 6H, CH2).

A.10 Synthesis of (tBu3PN)(2)2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl)TiMe2
A diethyl ethyl solution of MeMgBr (3M, 1 mL, 3 mmol) was added
to a toluene (50 mL) solution of (tBu3PN)(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl)TiCl2 (0.3 g, 0.63 mmol) at ~78°C. The solution was
warmed to room temperature and was stirred for 2 hours. A light yellow slurry formed, which was pumped to dryness and the residue was extracted with hexane. The hexane extract was concentrated and the
product crystallized at -35°C. Yield: 85%. 1H NMR in (toluene-da, ?): 1.33 (d, 3JP-H= 12.8 Hz, 27H, But); 1.81 (s, 12H, NCCH3); 1.25 (s. br, 6H, CH2); 0.92 (s, 6H, TiMe).

21

A.11 Synthesis of ('Bu3PN)('Pr3SiS)TiCl2
To a hexane (50 mL) suspension of ('Bu3PN)TiCl3 (0.37g, 1 mmol) was added slowly a hexane (20 mL) solution of 'Pr3SiSLi (0.195 g, 1 mmol) at -78°C. The solution was wanned to room temperature, stirred for 12 hours and was filtered. Yellow crystals were obtained from a
concentrated hexane solution at -35°C. Yield: 90%. 1H NMR in (toluene-da, 5): 1.19 (d, 3JP.H= 13.9 Hz, 27H, Bu1); 1.32 (d, 3JC.H = 6.9 Hz, 18H, i-Pr); 1.32 (m,3H, i-Pr).

A.12 Synthesis of ('Bu3PN)('Pr3SiS)TiMe2
A diethyl ether solution of MeMgBr (3M, 0.47 mL, 1.4 mmol) was added to a toluene (50 mL) solution of ('Bu3PN)(Pr3SiS)TiCl2 (0.4 g, 0.7 mmol) at -78°C. The solution was warmed to room temperature and was stirred for 2 hours. The yellow solution became an almost colorless slurry, which was then pumped to dryness. The residue was dissolved in
hexane and the solution was filtered. The product was obtained by
crystallization at -35°C from hexane. Yield: 76%. 1 HNMR in (toluene-d8,
?): 1.23(d, 3Jp.H= 13.0 Hz, 27H, Bu1); 1.14 (d, 3JC-H= 5.1 Hz, 18H, i-Pr); 1.05 (br, 3H, j-Pr); 1.08 (s, 6H, TiMe).

22

A.13 Synthesis of LiOC(tBu2)(CH2PPh2)
To a hexane solution (40 ml) of 'Bu2CO (0.867 g, 6.1 mmol) was slowly added Ph2PCH2Li(trneda) (1.97 g, 6.1 mmol) (tmeda = tetramethyfethylenediamine) in 20-mL of hexane (J. Chem, Soc. Chem. Gomrnun, 220, 1984). The pale yellow solution was then stirred for 16 hours. The solution was then cooled and concentrated (-10 mL) under reduced pressure and placed in a freezer to crystallize the product. Isolated yield of the off-white solid was 1.5 g (71%). Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum (H NMR) in-deuterated toluene (CrDg): 7.6 - 7.06 (peak area = 10 protons) (m, 10H),.2.88(d, U =8.4 Hz;2H) and. 1.17 (s, 18H). A.14 Synthesis of (tBu3PN)[(Ph2PCH2)(tBu2)CO]TiCI2
To a solution of (tBu3PN)TiCl3 (0.729 g, 1.97 mmol) in 40 mL of toluene at -78°C was added dropwise LiOC(tBu2)(CH2PPh2) (0.686 g, 1.97 mmol) in 20 ml of toluene. The solution was then allowed to reach room temperature while stirring for 16 hours. The pale yellow solution was then filtered and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The yellow solid was then re-crystallized from toluene/hexane to give an off-white solid. Isolated yield was 1.2 g (90%). 1H NMR (toluene-d8, ?): 7.80 (m, 5H), 7.10 (m, 5H), 3.02 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.31 (s, 18H) and 1.26 (d. J = 13.4Hz,27H).

23




A.15 Synthesis of (tBu3PN)[(Ph2PCH2)(tBu2)CO]TiMe2
To a solution of (tBu3PN)[(Ph2PCH2)(tBu2)CO)TiCl2 (0.315 g, 0.466 mmol) in 20 mL of toluene at -78°C was added using a syringe MeMgBr (3M in diethyl ether) (0.4 mL, 1.2 mmol). The solution was then allowed to reach room temperature while stirring for 1 hour. All toluene was then removed under reduced pressure. The white solid was slurried in fresh toluene (2x15 mL) and filtered to give a clear-colorless solution. Toluene was removed under reduced pressure leaving an off-white crystalline solid. Isolated yield was 0.25 g (93%). 1H NMR (toluene-d8, ?). 7.67 (m, 5H), 7.10 (m, 5H), 2.99 (d, J = 6 Hz, 2H), 1.35 (s, 18H), 1.31 (d, J = 13-3 Hz, 27H) and 0.95 (s, 6H).

A.16 Synthesis of ('Bu3PN)('Bu3CO)TiCl2
To a solution of ('BusPNJTiCIa (0.301 g, 0.813 mmol) in 40 mL of toluene at-78°C was added dropwise 'BusCOLi (0.168 g, 0.813 mmol) (Polyhedron, 14(22), 3335-3362, 1995) in 20 mL of toluene. The solution

24
was then allowed to reach room temperature while stirring for 16 hours. The colorless solution was then filtered and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure leaving a white crystalline solid. Isolated yield was 0.378 g (87%). 'HHUB (toluene-d8, ?): 1.53(s. 27H) and 1,22 (d. J= 13.6Hz,27H).
A.17 Synthesis of ('BuaPNtfBusCOyTiMea
To a solution of (tBu3PN)(tBu3CO)TiCl2(0.195 g. 0.365 mmol) in 15 mL of toluene at -78°C was added using a syringe 3M MeMgBr in dtethyl ether (0.32 mL, 0.96 mmol). The solution was then allowed to reach room temperature while stirring for 16 hours. All toluene was then removed under reduced pressure. The white solid was slurried in hexane (2x15 mL) and filtered to give a clear-colorless solution. Hexane was removed under reduced pressure leaving a white crystalline solid. Yield was quantitative- 1HNMR (toluene-d8 ?): 1.53 (s, 27H), 1.29 (d, J = 12.9 Hz. 27H) and 0.93 (s. 6H).


25
A.18 Synthesis of (tBu3PN)(2,6-Pr2C6H3O)TiCl2
To a solution of ('Bu3PN)TiCl3 (0.368 g, 0.994 mmol) in 40 mL of toluene at -78°C was added dropwise 2,6-Pr2C6H3OLi (0.183 g, 0.994 mmol) in 20 mL of toluene. The solution was then allowed to reach room temperature while stirring for 16 hours. The yellow-orange solution was then filtered and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure leaving an orange crystalline solid. Isolated yield was 0.465 g (91%). 'HNMR (toluene-da, ?): 7.1 (d, 2H), 6.98 (t, 1H), 3.87 (sept., 2H), 1.36 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 12H) and 1.04 (d, J = 13.9 Hz, 27H).

A.19 Synthesis of (tBu3PN)(2,6-lPr2C6H3O)TiMe2
To a solution of (tBu3PN)(2,6-iPr2C6H3O)TiCl2 (0.149 g, 0.291 mmol) in 15 mL of toluene at -78°C was added using a syringe 3M MeMgBr in diethyl ether (0.194 mL, 0.582 mmol). The solution was then allowed to reach room temperature while stirring for 1 hour. After the solution was pumped to dryness, the white solid was slurried in hexane (2x15 mL) and filtered to give a clear colorless solution. Hexane was removed under reduced pressure leaving a pale yellow oil which crystallized upon standing. Yield was quantitative. 1HNMR (toluene-d8, ?): 7.1 (d, 2H), 6.98 (t, 1H), 3.77 (sept., 2H), 1.36 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 12H), 1.14 (d, J = 13.1 Hz,27H)and1.08(s, 6H).

26

A.20 Synthesis of (tri-t-
butylphosphinimine)(tetramethylphospholyl)titanium dichloride
(Tetramethylphospholyl)titanium trichloride (1 g, 3.4 mmol) and tri-t-butylphosphinimine-N-trimethylsilyl (985 mg, 3.5 mmol) were combined as solids and toluene (20 mL) was then added. The reaction was heated to 90cC for 4 hours and then the toluene was removed in vacuo. The resulting orange solid was washed hexane (10 mL) and pumped dry under vacuum...Yield 1;31-g. 1H(C7D8): 2.27 (d,JP-H = 9.9 Hz), 2.18 (s), 1.26 (d,Jp.H=13.6Hz). A.21 Synthesis of (tri-t-
butylphosphinimine)(tetramethylphospholyl)titanium dimethyl
(tri-t-butylphosphinimine)(tetramethylphospholyl)titanium dichloride (355 mg, 0.75 mmol) was slurried in ether (30 mL) at 10°C and MeMgBr (1.5 mL of a 3M solution in ether) was added dropwise. The reaction was warmed to room temperature, stirred for 5 minutes and then the solvent was removed in vacuo. The product was extracted with hexane, the reaction filtered and the hexane removed in vacuo to leave the product as a pale yellow solid. Isolated Yield 220 mg. 1H(C7D8): 2.16 (s), 2-05 (d, JP.H = 9.9 Hz), 1.33 (d, Jp.H = 12.9 Hz), 0.29 (s). PART B Solution Polymerization
Solution polymerizations were completed either in a Solution Batch Reactor ("SBR") or in a continuous reaction. The "SBR" experiments are described in Part B.1 and the continuous experiments in Part B.2.

27
B.1 S8R Experimental Conditions
The SBR uses a programmable logical control (PLC) system with Wonderware 5.1 software for process control. Ethylene polymerizations were performed in a 500 mL Autoclave Engineers Zipperclave reactor equipped with an air driven stirrer and an automatic temperature control system. All the chemicals were fed into the reactor batchwise except ethyiene which was fed on demand.
Typical experimental conditions for screening experiments are tabulated below.

Cyciohexane
216 mL
Catalyst Concentration
200 ?mol/L
Activator
210 ?mol/L
Scavenger
• PMAO-IP 1 rnmol/L put into the reactor with 216 mL reaction solvent.
• PMAO-IP 1 mmol/L dissolved in 250 mL of cyciohexane as the scavenger, the solution was stirred for 10 minutes at room temperature, then withdrawn with a canula before the reaction solvent was loaded in
Reaction Temperature
1600C
Reactor Pressure
140 psig tbtal
Stirring Speed
2000 rpm
Comonomer
10 or 20 mLof octene
Notes:
1. Table B. 1 identifies the borane or borate activator used in each
experiment.
2. "PMAO-IP" is a commercially available methyiaiumoxane.
1.


Notes:.
(1) Catalyst from Part A, Section A,3
(2) Catalyst from Part A, Section A.8
(3) Catalyst from Part A, Section A.5
(4) Catalyst from Part A, Section A.15
(5) Catalyst from Part A, Section A.10

TABLE B.1

29
8.2 Continuous Solution Polymerization
All the polymerization experiments described below were conducted on a continuous solution polymerization reactor. The process is continuous in all feed streams (solvent, monomers and catalyst) and in the removal of product. All feed streams were purified prior to thereactof by contact with various absorption media, to remove catalyst killing , impurities such as water, oxygen and polar materials as is known to those skilled in the art. All components were stored and manipulated under an atmosphere of purified nitrogen.
All the examples below were conducted in a reactor of 71.5 cc internal volume. In each experiment the volumetric feed to the reactor was kept constant and as a consequence so was the reactor residence time.
The catalyst solutions were pumped to the reactor independently and there was no pre-contact between the activator and the catalyst; Because" of the tow solubility of the catalysts, activators and MAO in cyclohexane solutions were prepared in purified xylene. The catalyst was activated in situ (in the polymerization reactor) at the reaction temperature in the presence of the monomers. The polymerizations were carried outNn cyclohexane at a pressure of 1500 ps. Ethylene was supplied to the reactor by a calibrated thermal mass flow meter and was dissolved in the reaction solvent prior to the polymerization reactor, if comonomer (for example 1-octene) was used it was also premixed with the ethyiene before entering the polymerization reactor. Under these conditions the ethylene conversion is a dependent variable controlled by the catalyst concentration, reaction temperature and catalyst activity, etc.
The internal reactor temperature is monitored by a thermocouple in the polymerization medium and can be controlled at the required set point to +/- 0.5 C. Downstream of the reactor the pressure was reduced from the reaction pressure (1500 psi) to atmospheric. The solid polymer was then recovered as a slurry in the condensed solvent and was dried by evaporation before analysis.

30
The ethylene conversion was determined by a dedicated on-line' gas chromatograph by reference to propane which was used as an internal standard. The average polymerization rateconstant was calculated based on the reactor hold-up time, the catalyst concentration in the reactor and the ethyfene conversion and is expressed in (mmot*min). Average polymerization rate (kp) = (Q/(1OO-Q)) x (1/(TM)) x (1/HUT), where:
Q is the percent ethylene conversion;
[TM] is the catalyst concentration in the reactor expressed in mM;
and
HUT is the reactor hold-up" time in minutes. Polymer Analysis
Melt index (Ml) measurements were conducted according to ASTM method D-1238-82.
Polymer densities were measured on pressed plaques (ASTM
D-1928-90) with a densitometer.
Example 1
(C4Me4P)TiNP('Bu)3Me2 (from Part A, Section not in was added to the reactor at 37.0 x 10'6 mol/l along with Ph3C B(C6F5)4 (Asahi Glass) at B/Ti = 1.00 (mol/mol). The reaction temperature was 1603C and
1.0 gram/min of ethylene was continuously added to the reactor. An
ethylene conversion of 91.1% was observed (see Table B.2),
Example 2
(C4Me4P)TiNP(tBu)3Me2 (from Part A, Section A.22) was added to the reactor at 27.8 x 10-6 mol/l along with Ph3C B(C6F5)4 (Asahi Glass) at B/Ti = 1.00 (mol/mol). The reaction temperature was 180°C and
2.1 gram/min of ethylene was continuously added to the reactor. In
addition 5.0 ml/min of 1-octene was also added to the reactor. An
ethylene conversion of 89.6% was observed (see Table B.2).
Example 3
(tBu)3pNTiOSi(tBu)3Me2 (from Part A, Section A.3) was added to the reactor at 2.3 x 10-6 mol/l along with Ph3C B(C6F5)4 (Asahi Glass) at

31
B/Ti = 1.00 (mol/mol). The reaction temperature was 160°C and 2,1 gram/min of ethylene was continuously added to the reactor. An ethyfene conversion of 98.9% was observed (see Table B.2). Example 4
(tBu)3PNTi0Si(tBu)3Me2 (from Part A, Section A.3) was added to the reactor at 2,3 x 10-6 mol/l along with Ph3C B(C6P5)4 (Asahi Glass) at B/Ti s 1.00 (mot/mol). The reaction temperature was 180°C and 3.3 gram/min of ethylen was continuously added to the reactor. An ethylene conversion of 94.3% was observed (see Table B.2). Example 5
(tBu)3PNTiOSi(tBu)3Me2 (from Part A, Section A.3) was added to the reactor at 3.0 x 10-6 mol/l along with Ph3C 8(C6F5)4 (Asahi Glass) at B/Ti = 0.77 (mol/mol). The reaction temperature was 2000C and 3.8 gram/min of ethylene was continuously added to the reactor. An ethylene conversion of 90.9% was observed (seeTable B.2). Example $
(tBu)3PNTiOSi(tBU)3Me2 (from Part A, Section A.3) was added to the reactor at 4.9 x 10-6 mol/l along with Ph3C B(C6F5)4 (Asahi Glass) at B/Ti = 0.5 (mol/mol). The reactfon temperature was 200°C and 3.8 gram/min of ethyiene was continuously added to the reactor, in addition 3,0 ml/min of 1-octene was also fed to the reactor. An ethytene conversion of 88.4% was observed (see Table B.2). Example 7
(tBu)3PNTi0Si(tBu)3Me2 (from Part A. Section A.3) was added to the reactor at 2.3 x 10*6 mol/l along with MAO (MMAO-7 Akzo-Nobel) at Af/Ti = 200 (mol/mol). The reaction temperature was 160°C and 2.1 gram/min of ethyiene was continuously added to the reactor. An ©thylene conversion of approximately 13% was observed (see Table B.2). Example 8
(tBu)3PNTi0Si(tBu)3Me2 (from Part A, Section A.3) was added to the reactor at 2.3 x 10-6 moi/l along with Ph3C B(C6F5)4 (Asahi Glass) at

32
B/Ti = 1.00 (mol/mol) and MAO (MMAO-7 Akzo Nobel) Al/Ti = 7.5 (mol/mol). The reaction temperature was 180°C and 2.1 gram/mm of ethyiene was continuously added to the reactor. An ethylene conversion of 90.1% was observed (see Table B.2). Example 9
(tBu)3PNTiOSi(tBu)3Me2 (from Part A, .Section A3) was added to the reactor.at 2.8 x 10-6 mo!/! along with Ph3O B(C6F5)4 (Asahi Glass) at 8/Ti = 1.00 (mol/mol) and MAO (MMAO-7 Akzo Nobel) Al/Ti = 7.5 (mol/mol). The reaction temperature was 1600C and 2.1 gram/min of ethylene was continuously added to the reactor. In addition 1:0 ml/min of 1-octene was also added to the-reactor. An ethylene conversion of 90.7% was observed (see Table B.2). Example 10
(tBu)3PNTiOSi(tBu)3Me2 (from Part A, Section A.3) was added to the reactor at 3.4 x 10- mol/I along with Ph3C B(C6F5)4 (Asahi Glass) at B/Ti = 0.8 (mol/mol). The reaction temperature was 160°C and 2.1 gram/min of ethylene was continuously added to the reactor. An ethylene conversion of 88.2% was observed (see Table B.2). Example 15
(tBu)3PNTiNC(tBu)2Me2 (from Part A, Section A.5) was added to the reactor at 11.6 x 10-6 mol/l along with HNMe2Ph B(C6F5)4 (Akzo Nobel) at B/Ti = 1.0 (mol/mol). The reaction temperature was 160°C and 2.1 gram/min of ethylene was continuously added to the reactor. An ethylene conversion of 90.3% was observed (see Table B.2). Example 17
(tBu)3PNTiNC(tBu)2Me2 (from Part A, Section A.5) was added to the reactor at 11.6 x 10-6 mol/l along with HNMe2Ph B(C6F5)4 (Akzo Nobel) at B/Ti = 1.0 (mol/mol). The reaction temperature was 160°C and 2.1 gram/min of ethylene was continuously added to the reactor. In addition 3.0 ml/min of 1-octene was added. An ethylene conversion of 89.4% was observed (see Table B.2).

33
Example 13
(tBu)3PNTiNC(tBu)2Me2 (from Part A, Section A.5) was added to the reactor at 11.6 x 10"6 mol/l along with Ph3G B(C6F5)4 (Asahi Glass) at B/TI = 1.0 (mol/mol). The reaction temperature was 1600C and 2.1 gram/min of ethylene was continuously added to the reactor. An ethylene conversion of 89.0% was observed (see Table B.2). Example 19
(tBu)3PNTiNC(tBu)2Me2 (from Part A, Section A:5) was added to the reactor at 13.9 x 10-6 mol/l along with Ph3C B(C6FS)4 (Asahi Glass) at B/Ti = 1.0 (mol/mol). The reaction temperature was 16O°C and 2.1 gram/min of ethylene was continuously added to the reactor in addition 3.0 ml/min of 1-octene was added. An ethytene conversion of 88.3% was observed (see Table B.2). Comparative Example 20
(C5Me5)2ZrCl2 (purchased from Strem) was added to the reactor at 37 x 10-6 mol/l along with MMAO-3 (Akzo-Nobel, AI/Ti = 400 mol/mol). The reaction temperature was 140°C and 1.0 gram/min of ethylene was continuously added to the reactor. An ethylene conversion of 55.5% was observed (see Table B.3), Comparative Example 21
(C5Me5ZrCl2 (Strem) was added to the reactor at 37 x 10-6 mol/l along with MMAO-3 (Akzo-Nobel, AI/Ti =s 400 mol/mol). The reaction temperature was 160°C and 1.0 gram/min of ethylene was continuously added to the reactor. An ethylene conversion of 35,6% was observed (see Table B.3). Comparative Example 22
(C5Me5)3ZrCl2 (Strem) was added to the reactor at 37 x 10-6 mol/l along with MMAO-3 (Akzo-Nobel, Al/Ti = 400 mol/mol). The reaction temperature was 160°C and 2.1 gram/min of ethytene was continuously added to the reactor. An ethylene conversion of 37.4% was observed (see Table B.3).

34
Comparative Example 23
rac-Et(ind)2ZrCl2 (purchased from Witco) was added to the reactor at 37 x 10-6 mol/l along with MMAO-3 (Akzo-Nobel, Al/Ti = 400 mol/mol). The reaction temperature was 160°C and 2.1 gram/min of ethylene was continuously added to the reactor. An ethylene conversion of 94.6% was observed (see Table B.3). Comparative Example 24
rac-Et(ind)2ZrCl2 (Witco) was added to the reactor at 37 x 40-6 mol/l along with MMAO-3 (Akzo-Nobel, Al/Ti = 400 mol/mol). The reaction temperature was 160°C and 2.1 gram/min of ethylene and 3.25 ml/min of 1 -octene was continuously added to the reactor. An ethylene conversion of 94.8% was observed (see Table B.3).

TABLE B.2


TABLE B.3


v^


37
PART C Gas Phase Polymerization
Catalyst Preparation and Polymerization Testing Using a Semi-Batch, Gas Phase Reactor
The catalyst preparation methods described below employ typical techniques for the syntheses and handling of air-sensitive materials. Standard Schlenk and drybox techniques were Used in the preparation of the supported catalysts. Solvents were purchased as anhydrous materials and further treated to remove oxygen and polar impurities by contact with a combination of activated alumina, molecular sieves and copper oxide on silica/alumina. Where appropriate, elemental compositions of the supported catalysts were measured by Neutron Activation analysis and a reported accuracy of ± 1% (weight basis).
The supported catalysts were prepared by initially supporting MAC on a silica support, followed by deposition of the catalyst component.
All the polymerization experiments described below were conducted using a semi-batch, gas phase polymerization reactor of total internal volume of 2.2 L. Reaction gas mixtures, including separately ethylene or ethylene/butene mixtures, were measured in the reactor on a continuous basis using a calibrated thermal mass flow meter, following passage through purification media as described above. A predetermined mass of the catalyst sample was added to the reactor under the flow of the inlet gas with no pre-contact of the catalyst with any reagent, such as a catalyst activator. The catalyst was activated in situ (in the polymerization reactor) at the reaction temperature in the presence of the monomers, using a metal alkyl complex which has been previously added to the reactor to remove adventitious impurities. Purified and rigorously anhydrous sodium chloride was used as a catalyst dispersing agent.
The internal reactor temperature was monitored by a thermocouple in the polymerization medium and can be controlled at the required set

38
point to ± 1.0°C. The duration of the polymerization experiment was one hour. Following the completion of the polymerization experiment, the polymer was separated from the sodium chloride and the yield determined.
Table C illustrates data concerning the Al/transition metal ratios of the supported catalyst, polymer yield and polymerproperties.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The Inventive complexes are well suited for use as a component in a catalyst system for the polymerization of olefins, especially ethylene. Polyethylene produced with the inventive complexes is useful, for example, in the production of film, extruded parts and profiles and molded plastic goods.

TABLE C

1 Support is silica treated with MAO (purchased from Witco)
2 Ethylene-Butene copolymerization (Co) 4 rnol. % 1-Butene
3 Pe =: Polyethylene
Notes:
(A) Catalyst from Part A, Section A.3
(B) Catalyst from Part A, Section A.4
(C) Catalyst from Part A, Section A.7
(A)

WE CLAIM:
1. A process for the polymerization of ethylene and from 0 to 50 weight
percent of at least one additional alpha olefin having from three to ten
carbon atoms, characterized in that said process is conducted In the
presence of:
(a) a catalyst component for olefin polymerization which is an unbridged organometallic complex described by the formula:

wherein M is a metal selected from group consisting of titanium, hafnium, zirconium or vanadium; PI is a phosphlnlmine ligand defined by the formula:

wherein each R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of (a) a hydrogen atom, (b) a halogen atom (c) C1-20 hydrocarbyl radicals which are unsubstituted by or further substituted by a halogen atom, (d) a C1-8 atkoxy radical, (e) a C8-10 aryl or aryloxy radical (f) an amido radical (g) a sityl radical of the formula:
wherein each R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a C1-8 alkyl or alkoxy radical, C8-10 aryl or aryloxy radicals, and (h) a germanyl radical of the formula:

wherein R2 is as defined above ;HA is a heteroligand characterized by (a) containing a heteroatom selected from N,S,B,0 or P, and (b) being bonded to M through a sigma or pi bond with proviso that H is not a phosphinimine ligand as defined above; L is an activatable ligand; n is 1,2 or 3 depending upon the valence of M with the proviso that L is not a cyclopentadientl, indenyl or fluorenyl ligand; and b) an activator.
2. The process according to claim 15 wherein said activator is an ionic
activator.
3. The process according to claim 16 where said ionic activator comprises an
organometallic boron complex containing one boron atom and at least
three perfluorinated phenyl ligands bonded to said boron atom.
4. The process according to claim 15 when undertaken under medium
pressure solution polymerization conditions at a temperature of from 100
to 320°C and a pressure of from 3 to 35 mega Pascals.
5. The process according to claim 18 wherein said metal is titanium (IV), said
phosphinimine ligand is tri(tertfary-butyl) phosphinimine and said activator
is an ionic activator comprising an organometallic boron complex
containing one boron atom and at least three perfluorinated phenyl ligands
bonded to said boron atom.
A process for the polymerization of ethylene and from 0 to 50 weight percent of at least one additional alpha olefin having from three to ten carbon atoms, characterized in that said process is conducted in the presence of;
(a) a catalyst component for ofefin polymerization which is an unbridged organometallic complex described by the formula:



whereinM is a metal selected from group consisting of titanium, hafnium, zirconium or vanadium; Pl is a phosphinimine ligand defined by the formula:

wherein each R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of (a) a hydrogen atom, (b) a halogen atom (c) C1-20 hydrocarbyl radicals which are unsubstttuted by or further substituted by a halogen atom, (d) a C1-18 alkoxy radical, (e) a C6-10 aryl or aryloxy radical (f) an amido radical (g) a sifyl radical of the formula:


wherein each R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a C1-6 afkyl or alkoxy radical, C6-10 aryl or aryloxy radicals, and (h) a germanyl radical of the formula:

wherein R2 is as defined above ;HA is a heteroltgand characterized by (a) containing a heteroatom selected from N.S.B.O or P, and (b) being bonded to M through a sigma or pl bond with proviso that H is not a phosphinimine ligand as defined above; L is an activatable Itgand; n is 1,2 or 3 depending upon the valence of M with the proviso that L is not a cyclopentadientf, indenyi or fluorenyl figand; and (b) an activator.

Documents:


Patent Number 201409
Indian Patent Application Number IN/PCT/2001/00086/KOL
PG Journal Number 6/2007
Publication Date 09-Feb-2007
Grant Date 09-Feb-2007
Date of Filing 19-Jan-2001
Name of Patentee NOVA CHEMICALS ( INTERNATIONAL) S.A.
Applicant Address 107 ROUTE DE LA GLANE, P.O. BOX 76 CH-1752 VILLARS- SUR-GLANE 1,
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 GAO XIAOLLANG 6 VARMOOR PLACE N.W. CALGARY, ALBERTA T3A 0A1,
2 WANG,QINYQN, 89HARVEST GLEN WAY NE CALGARY, ALBERTA T3K 4J3,
3 ZORICAK,PETER, 208,429-14 STREET N.W.CALGARY,ALBERT T2N 2A3,
4 SPENCE,RUPERT, EDWA D, VON,HAKEN 401-11 STREET N.W. CALGARY, ALBERTA T2N 1X5,
5 XU, WEI, 1227 MACKID ROAD N. E. CALGARY, ALBERTA T2E 6A8
6 BROWN, STEPHEN JOHN 57 MOUNT SPARR OWHAWK PLACE S.E., CALGARY. ALBERTA TZ 2G7
PCT International Classification Number C07F 19/00,7/00,7/30
PCT International Application Number PCT/CA99/00525
PCT International Filing date 1999-06-08
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 2243775 1998-07-21 Canada