In this article, 1-octene and styrene was copolymerized by the supported catalyst (TiCl4/ID/MgCl2). Subsequently, by sulfonation reaction, sulfonated poly(1-octene-co-styrene)s which were amphiphilic copolymers were prepared. The copolymerization behavior between 1-octene and styrene is moderate ideal behavior. Copolymers prepared by this catalyst contain appreciable amounts of both 1-octene and styrene. Increase in the feed ratio of styrene/1-octene leads to increase in styrene content in copolymer and decrease in molecular weight. As the polymerization temperature increases, the styrene content in the copolymers increases, however, the molecular weight decreases. Hydrogen is an efficient regulator to lower the molecular weights of poly(1-octene-co-styrene)s. The sulfonation degree of the sulfonated poly(1-octene-co-styrene) s increased as the styrene content in copolymer increased or the molecular weight decreased. Thirty-six hour is long enough for sulfonation reaction. The sulfonated poly(1-octene-co-styrene)s can be used as effective and durable modifying agent to improve the wettability of polyethylene film and have potential application in emulsified fuels and for the stabilization of dispersions. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 119: 677-684, 2011