Copolymerization of norbornene (NBE) and polar norbornene derivatives undergoes vinyl polymerization by using novel catalyst systems formed in situ by combining bis(beta-ketoamino)Ni(II) complexes {Ni[R1- C(O)CHC(NR3)R-2](2) (R-l = R-2 = CH3, R-3 = naphthyl, 1; R-1 = R-2 = CH3, R-3 = C6H5, 2; R-1 = C6H5, R-2 = CH3, R-3 = naphthyl, 3; R-l = R-2 = CH3, R-3 = 2, 6-(CH3)(2)C6H3, 4; R-1 = R-2 = CH3, R-3 = 2, 6-'Pr2C6H3 5; R-1 = C6H5, R-2 = CH3, R-3 = 2, 6-'Pr2C6H3, 6)} and B(C6F5)(3)/AlEt3 in toluene. The 1/B(C6F5)(3)/AlEt3 catalytic system is effective for copolymerization of NBE with NBE-OCOCH3 and NBE-CH2OH, respectively, and copolymerization activity is followed in the order of NBE-CH2OH > NBE-OCOCH3 > NBE-CN. The molecular weights of the obtained poly-(NBE/NBE-CH2OH) reached 5.97 x 10(4) to 2.07 x 10(5) g/mol and the NBE-CH2OH incorporation ratios reached 7.0-55.4 mol % by adjusting the comonomer feedstock composition. The copolymerization of NBE and NBE-CH2OH also depend on catalyst structures and activity of catalyst followed in the order of 2 > 1 > 3 > 5 > 4 > 6. The molecular weights and NBE-CH2OH incorporation ratios of poly(NBE/NBE-CH2OH) were adjustable to be 1.91-5.37 x 10(5) g/mol and 9.5-41.1 mol % -OH units by using catalysts 1-6. The achieved copolymers were confirmed to be vinyl-addition type, noncrystalline and have good thermal stability (T-d = 380-410 degrees C). (c) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 120: 2008-2016, 2011