Oligomerization of Ethylene to α‐Olefins: Discovery and Development of the Shell Higher Olefin Process (SHOP)

Luck, talent, and hard work: Currently, over a million tons of α‐olefins are manufactured per annum using the Shell Higher Olefin Process (SHOP). The discovery of the process was the result of correct model conceptions and lucky coincidence. W. Keim, one of the main participants in the development of SHOP, gives a personal account of the events.