Synthesis and Characterization of Polynorbornenes with Nitronaphthyl Side‐Chains

Three new norbornene monomers carrying naphthyl‐based sidechains with varying levels of electron deficiency are synthesized, characterized by 1 H NMR, 2D‐NMR, UV–vis, and fluorescence spectroscopies, as well as mass spectrometry. The kinetics of their ring‐opening polymerization using a third‐generation Grubbs catalyst are established, and the resulting polymers are characterized by size‐exclusion chromatography, along with UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. These naphthalene‐based polynorbornenes are shown to exhibit fluorescence, accompanied by a quenching behavior when exposed to an electron‐rich aromatic compound.