Cationic aluminum alkyl complexes incorporating amidinate ligands as polymerization catalysts

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.