The synthesis and some properties of soluble organometallic polymers which contain trigonal bipyramidal platinum(II) complexes as pendants are described. An N,N-chelate and an olefin define the equatorial plane of the complex, while two anionic ligands, or one anion and a pyridine nitrogen, occupy the axial positions. Each of the coordination sites was used to anchor the organometallic fragment to the polymeric chain. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.