Late transition metal complexes, their use as catalysts and polymers therefrom

A method for polymerizing olefinic monomers selected from the group consisting of:

• (a) acyclic aliphatic olefins, (b) olefins having a hydrocarbyl polar functionality and (c) mixtures of (i) at least one olefin having a hydrocarbyl polar functional group and (ii) at least one acyclic aliphatic olefin, the method comprising contacting the olefinic monomers under polymerization conditions with a catalyst composition comprising the reaction product of:
• (a) A metal complex having the formula LMXZn wherein X is selected from the group consisting of halides, hydride, triflate, acetates, borates, C1 through C12 alkyl, C1 through C12 alkoxy, C3 through C12 cycloalkyl, C3 through C12 cycloalkoxy, aryl, thiolates, carbon monoxide, cyanate, olefins, and any other moiety into which a monomer can insert;
• M is selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ag, and Au;
• L is a nitrogen-containing bidentate ligand with more than two nitrogen atoms;
• Z is a neutral coordinating ligand;
• wherein n equals 0, 1, or 2;
• and (b) an activating cocatalyst.