Olefin polymerization catalysts, transition metal compounds, processes for olefin polymerization, and α-olefin/conjugated diene copolymers

Abstract

The invention provides olefin polymerization catalysts exhibiting excellent polymerization activities, a process for olefin polymerization using the catalysts, a novel transition metal compound useful for the catalysts, and α-olefin/conjugated diene copolymers having specific properties. The olefin polymerization catalysts of the invention contain (A) a transition metal compound of formula (I), and (B) an organometallic compound, an organoaluminum oxy-compound or an ionizing ionic compound. The novel transition metal compounds of the invention are compounds of formula (I) wherein M is a transition metal atom of Group 3 or 4 of the periodic table; Ris a hydrocarbon group, etc.; Rto Rare each H, a halogen, a hydrocarbon group, etc.; Ris a halogen, a hydrocarbon group, etc.; n is a number satisfying a valence of M; and X is a halogen, a hydrocarbon group, etc