Novel polynorbornenes, poly(NBPYTPA), and poly (HNBPYTPA), containing chromophoric and electroactive groups were synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization using Grubbs' catalysts and followed hydrogenation, respectively. The glass transition temperatures (T(g)) of poly(NBPYTPA) and hydrogenated poly(HNBPYTPA) were 195 and 165 degrees C, respectively. The 10% weight-loss temperatures of hydrogenated poly (HNBPYTPA) and poly(NBPYTPA) were up to 465 and 420 degrees C, respectively. The photoluminescence emission spectra of poly (HNBPYTPA) showed strong solvatochromic property, revealing that poly(HNBPYTPA) underwent remarkable bathochromic shifts with an increase in solvent polarity. The cyclic voltammogram of poly(HNBPYTPA) film cast onto an indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrate exhibited two reversible oxidation redox couples at 0.8 and 1.2 V versus Ag/Ag(+) in acetonitrile solution. The electrochromic characteristics of poly(HNBPYTPA) showed reversibility, with color changes from yellow to blue and then to red upon the application of potentials from 0 to 1.3 V. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 49: 5350-5357, 2011