Two PPV-based bipolar polymers containing 1,3,4-oxadiazole pendant groups were synthesized via the Gilch polymerization reaction for use in light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The resulting polymers were characterized using H-1 and C-13 NMR, elemental analysis, DSC, and TGA. These polymers were found to be soluble in common organic solvents and are easily spin-coated onto glass substrates, producing high optical quality thin films without defects. The electro-optical properties of ITO/PEDOT/polymer/Al devices based on these polymers were investigated using UV-visible, PL, and EL spectroscopy. The turn-on voltages of the OC(1)Oxa-PPV and OC(10)Oxa-PPV devices were found to be 8.0 V. The maximum brightness and luminescence efficiency of the OC(1)Oxa-PPV device were found to be 544 cd/m(2) at 19 V and 0.15 cd/A, respectively. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.