A metal complex of the formula (1)
CyAMX(L).sub.n(1) wherein Cy is a cyclopentadienyl-type ligand, M is a metal of group 4; A is an amidine-containing ligand moiety, represented by formula 2: ##STR00001## wherein the amidine-containing ligand is covalently bonded to the metal M via the imine nitrogen atom, and Sub1 is a substituent comprising a group 14 atom through which Sub1 is bonded to the imine carbon atom and Sub2 is a substituent comprising a heteroatom of group 15, through which Sub2 is bonded to the imine carbon atom; X is an allyl borate ligand derived from a conjugated diene ligand, D, and a borane, B and L is a neutral Lewis basic ligand wherein the number of said metal ligands n is in the range of 1 to the amount that specifies the 18-electron rule.

The alkylation of transition metal coordination catalyst complexes (such as metallocenes and/or post-metallocenes) in non-polar solvents with high conversion to the dialkylated transition metal coordination catalyst complex may be accomplished by reacting (a) a transition metal coordination catalyst complex comprising a transition metal linked to at least one an anionic donor ligand and at least one leaving group having a non-carbon atom directly linked to the transition metal, (b) an aluminum alkyl, and (c) a fluoride salt at 0 C. to 85 C. in a non-polar solvent to yield an alkylated transition metal coordination catalyst complex.