DIMERIZATION OF OLEFIN

Japanese Patent JP3800643

B2

PURPOSE: To enable high-selectivity dimerization of an olefin using a specific dimerization catalyst which can proceed the reaction with markedly increased dimerization selectivity and very high reaction activity. CONSTITUTION: When an olefin is dimerized in the presence of a catalyst, a Ni compound such as a nickel carboxylate of 1-8 carbon atoms or nickel bis(acetylacetonate) nickel complex, an organoaluminum compound such as a monoalkylaluminum dihalide, for example, ethylaluminum dichloride and a phosphite of formula I (R1, R2 are each a hydrocarbon; R3-R8 are each an O-free substituent; W is a (substituted) aromatic hydrocarbon; X is 0, 1). The phosphite of formula I is preferably prepared, for example, by reaction of a compound of formula II with phosphorus trichloride in the presence of an amine in a solvent such as toluene, followed by reaction of the resultant intermediate with a phenol or the like.