The chemistry, process technology, and production economics for alpha olefins are assessed. Comparative economics are presented for full-range technologies (Axens, Chevron Phillips, Ineos, Shell, SABIC/Linde), upgrade of by-product streams (Zeon, Sasol) and on-purpose production of butene-1 (Axens), hexene-1 (Axens, Chevron Phillips, Lummus) and octene-1 (Dow, Sasol). A regional market overview is also included.