a catalyst composition for the polymerization of polyamide / copolyamide comprising a primary catalyst which comprises an alkali metal hypophosphite or an alkali - earth metal hypophosphite , and a cocatalyst which comprises an amine compound . the cocatalyst amine compound is selected from the group consisting of phenylene diamines , hindered amines , poly , and benzotriazoles . the catalyst composition of this invention is most useful when used in conjunction with the reactive extrusion technology which requires a very fast polymerization rate to take full advantage of this evolving technology .