Feature ArticleStructurally uniform 1-hexene, 1-octene, and 1-decene oligomers: Zirconocene/MAO-catalyzed preparation, characterization, and prospects of their use as low-viscosity low-temperature oil base stocks

•Heterocene activated by 10 eq. of MAO is effective in α-olefin oligomerization.•Up to 90% isolated yields of lightweight α-olefin oligomer fractions were achieved.•Unsaturated and saturated α-olefin oligomers were isolated as individual compounds.•Hydrogenated 1-octene and 1-decene oligomers outperformed conventional PAOs.

An original approach to α-olefin oligomerization as well as novel thermally stable zirconocene catalysts for use in such reactions has been elaborated. The method reported allows the achievement of fractions of lightweight α-olefin oligomers up to 90% yields without considerable formation of byproducts like internal alkenes, alkanes, and higher oligomers. Trimers, tetramers, and pentamers of 1-hexene, 1-octene, and 1-decene were isolated as individual compounds and were hydrogenated. Viscosity characteristics of the isolated saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons have been studied at various temperatures. The isolated saturated oligomers of 1-octene and 1-decene outperform the traditional electrophilic oligomerization products in terms of viscosity indexes, pour points, and low-temperature viscosity.

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