A method is provided for the polymerization of olefins substituted with a functional
group using a transition metal catalyst that, by virtue of one or more stabilizing
groups incorporated within the catalyst structure, "fixes" the stereoconfiguration
of each olefinic monomer relative to the transition metal complex during each successive
reaction in the polymerization process. The invention substantially reduces the
likelihood of olefin rearrangement at the active site of the catalyst during polymerization.
In one particular embodiment, the functional group is a polar, electron-donating
group and the stabilizing group is a Lewis acid substituent; examples of polymers
that can be prepared with such a system include poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl
alcohol), and poly(vinyl ethers). Novel complexes and catalyst systems useful in
the polymerization method are also provided.