The first copolymerization of acrylate and methacrylate with nonpolar 1-alkenes in the presence of Bronsted acids as complexation agents has been reported. The addition of both homogeneous and heterogeneous Bronsted acids resulted in increased monomer conversion and I-alkene incorporation. Further, the heterogeneous Bronsted. acids can be recycled without loss of activity. A direct correlation exists between the ability of the Lewis or Bronsted acid to bind to the ester group of the acrylate/methacrylate monomer and its ability to promote the copolymerization reaction. For Lewis acids, there is also a direct correlation between the charge/size ratio at the metal center and their ability to promote copolymerizations. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.