Continuous ethylene tetramerization process

A continuous flow process for the oligomerization of ethylene using a chromium catalyst having a phosphorus-nitrogen-phosphorus ("P-N-P") ligand provides high selectivity to the desired tetramer (1-octene) with reduced production of coproduct C10+ oligomers. Prior art processes that maximize catalyst activity have provided comparatively poor product selectivity. In particular, the production of larger amounts of C10+ oligomers have been observed under conditions that maximize activity. The present process resolves this problem through the use of a combination of low catalyst concentration and by limiting the octene concentration in the reactor.