A catalyst is disclosed for the polymerization and co-polymerization of
olefins with functionalized monomers. The catalyst is formed from a
combination of two neutral metal complexes,
L(.sup.iPr.sub.2)M(CH.sub.2Ph)(PMe.sub.3)[L=N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-2-(-
2,6-diisopropylphenylimino)propanamide] and
M(COD).sub.2(COD=cyclooctadiene). The catalyst displays a unique mode of
action and performs at ambient conditions producing high molecular weight
polyolefins and co-polymers with functional groups. The polymerized
olefins include ethylene, .alpha.-olefins and functionalized olefins.