We demonstrate that polynorbornene containing dibromomaleimide side group is a novel polymer platform for post-polymerization modification. Polymer P0 was obtained through ring-opening metathesis polymerization of monomer 2 by using Grubbs third generation catalyst. Subsequently, P0 was chemically modified with 1-butanethiol and benzyl mercaptan to generate P1 and P2, respectively. In this way, the dibromomaleimide units on polymer side chain were quantitatively converted to dithiolmaleimide moieties. All the polymer samples exhibited good thermal stability and relatively high glass transition temperature. Meanwhile, the effects of substituent and solvent on fluorescent properties of the polymers were elucidated. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.