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: The process of preparing polyolefins using rac ansa-metallocene metal amide complexes directly by use of aluminum alkyl in combination with a cocatalyst.

Abstract: A process of preparing in high yield racemic ansa-metallocene complexes by reacting a chelated bisamide group 4 metal complex with an ansa-bis-cyclopentodrenyl dianion reagent. The meso isomers are not detectable in the reaction product.

Abstract: The process of preparing ansa-metallocene complexes in high yield by reacting a metal leaving group complex with an aluminum ansa-bis-cyclopentadienyl compound.

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.

Abstract: A process of preparing in high yield ansa-metallocene complexes and rac ansa-metallocene complexes by reacting an ansa-bis-cyclopentadiene compound with a metal amide complex.

Abstract: A process of preparing in high yield ansa-metallocene complexes and rac-ansa-metallocene complexes by reacting an ansa-bis-cyclopentadiene compound with a metal amide complex.

Abstract: Novel cyclopentadienyl dicarbollide complexes of titanium, zirconiun and hafnium constitute a new class of neutral, 14-electron, d.degree., mixed-ring, bent-metallocene alkyl complexes which are useful as polymerization catalysts.