Reaction of complex CrCl3 (THF)(3) with the tris(pyrazolyl)methane ligands, HC(Pz)(3), HC(3,5-Me(2)Pz)(3) and their substituted derivatives RC(Pz)(3) (R = Me, CH2OH, CH2OSO2Me) in THF lead to the formation of neutral complexes of the types [RC(PZ)(3)CrCl3] and [RC(3,5-Me(2)PZ)(3)CrCl3]. After reaction with methylalumoxane (MAO) these complexes are active in the polymerization of ethylene. The substituent on the methane central carbon atom of the ligand has some influence in polymerization behavior. This compounds present higher activities than similar chromium complexes, in the ethylene polymerization reaction. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.