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Ziegler catalyst

noun
Zie·​gler catalyst | \ ˈzēglə(r)-\

Definition of Ziegler catalyst

: a catalyst (as triethyl-aluminum or a complex of a trialkyl-aluminum with titanium tetrachloride) that promotes an ionic type of polymerization of ethylene, propylene, or related olefins at atmospheric pressure with the resultant formation of a relatively high-melting polyethylene, a stereoregular polypropylene, or similar product

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History and Etymology for Ziegler catalyst

after Karl Ziegler, born 1898 German chemistry institute director

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