The selective dimerisation of the α-olefins 1-pentene through to 1-nonene is reported using an in situ-generated catalyst derived from tungsten hexachloride, aniline, triethylamine and alkylaluminium halide. The influence of reagent identity and reaction stoichiometry, along with activator, solvent and α-olefin substrate choice are probed. The catalyst is found to be highly selective towards dimerisation, minimising the formation of undesired heavier ...
