Abstract: A novel process for the preparation of a supported transition metal catalyst system said method comprises the steps of: (i) mixing together in a suitable solvent (a) an organometallic compound, and (b) an ionic activator comprising a cation and an anion, (ii) addition of the mixture from step (i) to a support material, and (iii) addition of a transition metal compound in a suitable solvent, characterised in that the molar ratio of organometallic compound (a) to ionic activator (b) in step (i) is in the range 0.1 to 2.0. By use of the reduced molar ratio of the organometallic compound to the ionic activator in step (i) better reproducibilty of the catalyst may be achieved as well as higher activities. In addition polymer properties may be improved for example higher melt strength resulting in better product performance. The preferred transition metal compounds are metallocenes.

Abstract: Transition metal complexes suitable for use for the polymerization of olefins having Lewis Base functionality. Preferred groups are dienes having dialkylamino functionality. The complexes may suitably be supported by the use of the functionalized dienes to give transition metal complexes which in the presence of activators are particularly suitable for gas phase processes.