A series of cobalt(II) complexes containing 2-imino-1,10-phenanthrolines have been synthesized and characterized by elemental and spectroscopic analysis. The molecular structures of complexes 2, 3, 8 and 14 were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. On treatment with methylaluminoxane (MAO) or modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO), these cobalt(II) complexes show moderate to high catalytic activities for ethylene oligomerization and butene predominates among the oligomers produced. The parameters of the reaction conditions and the effects of the ligands environment were investigated. To cite this article: S. Jie et al. C. R. Chimie 9 (2006).