Abstract: Disclosed are novel catalysts, processes of synthesizing the catalysts and to olefin polymerization processes using the catalysts. The catalysts are cationic complexes comprising a Group 13 element and certain ligands. These compounds behave similarly to Ziegler-Natta catalysts but effectively catalyze the polymerization of olefins in the absence of any transition metal.

Abstract: Non-transition metal containing Ziegler-Natta like catalysts are prepared and used for polymerization reactions. The catalysts are cationic aluminum amidinate compounds. The compounds successfully catalyze polymerization of unsaturated hydrocarbons such as alpha olefins and avoid the expense of transition metals and, as well, the environmental objections to the use of the same.

Abstract: Aluminum amidinate compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup., R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 to C.sub.50 alkyl, aryl, and silyl groups, X is an anionic ligand, preferably a hydrocarbyl, n=0 or 1, L, if present, is a labile Lewis base ligand, preferably having an oxygen, nitrogen, or phosphorus atom donating a lone pair of electrons to the aluminum center, and A.sup.- is an anion which balances the charge of the aluminum cation and only weakly if at all coordinates to the aluminum center and preferably contains boron, are disclosed. These compounds are useful as olefin polymerization catalysts without the need for cocatalysts or transition metal species.