Tetracyclododecene compositions and process for producing the same

The present invention relate tetracyclododecene composition having a regulated content of compounds, which cause undesirable influences when used in various polymerizations. The present invention is drawn to a tetracyclododecene composition having a regulated cyclopentadiene trimer content, whereby addition polymerization with the aid of a Ziegler catalyst can be carried out while preventing gelation caused by a cross-linking reaction. A tetracyclododecene composition regulated with respect to the content of a specific ingredient having a molecular weight of 188 is disclosed, whereby polymers having high glass transition temperatures can be obtained through various polymerizations. Further, the present invention is drawn to a method for producing tetracyclododecene in the presence of an aliphatic solvent having a boiling point close to that of norbornene, which solvent is effective in inhibiting the recovered norbornene from solidifying. Preferred for obtaining high purity tetracyclododecene by removing the methyltetrahydroindene contained in dicyclopentadiene feedstock is a continuous process comprising a combination of reaction, distillation, and recovery/circulation, and so forth.