The versatile reactivity of B(C6F5)(3) in alkene polymerization reactions is summarized. Adduct formation with basic anions such as CN- and NH2- gives extremely weakly coordinating diborates, which are the basis of some of the most active polymerization catalysts known to date. By contrast, the reaction of B(C6F5)(3) with zirconium half-sandwich complexes leads to extensive C6F5 transfer, including the surprising formation of borole-bridged tripledecker complexes. Main group alkyls undergo such C6F5 exchange reactions very readily unless donor ligands are present. Borate salts of new three-coordinate zinc alkyl cations proved to be highly effective catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization of epoxides and lactones.