Catalyst compositions for the polymerization of olefins

The present invention includes novel ligands which may be utilized as part of a catalyst system. A catalyst system of the present invention is a transition metal-ligand complex. In particular, the catalyst system includes a transition metal component and a ligand component comprising a Nitrogen atom and/or functional groups comprising a Nitrogen atom, generally in the form of an imine functional group. In certain embodiments, the ligand component may further comprise a phosphorous atom. Preferred ligand components are bidentate (bind to the transition metal at two or more sites) and include a nitrogen-transition metal bond. The transition metal-ligand complex is generally cationic and associated with a weakly coordinating anion. A catalyst system of the present invention may further comprise a Lewis or Bronsted acid. The Lewis or Bronsted acid may be complexed with the ligand component of the transition metal-ligand complex.,