Copolymers with various contents of 3-methacryloyloxystyryl-4'-methylphenyl ketone (MSMPK) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were prepared in methyl ethyl ketone solution using benzoyl peroxide as a free radical initiator at 70 degrees C. Characterization of the resulting polymers was done by UV, FT-IR, H-1 NMR and C-13 NMR spectroscopic techniques. The copolymer compositions were determined by 1H NMR analysis. The monomer reactivity ratios were calculated using linearization methods such as Finemann-Ross (r(1) = 0.9439 and r(2) = 0.3656), Kelen-Tudos (r(1) = 0.9726 and r(2) = 0.4172), and extended Kelen-Tudos (r(1) = 0.9731 and r(2) = 0.4055) methods as well as by a non-linear error-in-variables model (EVM) method using the computer program RREVM (r(1) = 0.9043 and r(2) = 0.3901). The molecular weights ((M) over bar (w) and (M) over bar (n)) and the polydispersity index of the copolymers were determined by gel permeation chromatography. The thermal stability of the copolymers solution increases with increase in concentration of MSMPK. Glass transition temperatures were determined by differential scanning calorimeter under nitrogen atmosphere. The photoreactivity of the copolymers having pendant chalcone moieties was studied in chloroform. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.