A UV-responsive polymer was prepared via condensation polymerization of 2-nitrobenzyl(4-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)phenyl)carbamate and azalaic acid dichloride. When the polymer was irradiated with UV light, the nitrobenzyl urethane protecting group was removed and the deprotected aniline underwent spontaneous 1,6-elimination reactions, resulting in degradation of the polymer. Nanoparticles with encapsulated Nile Red were formulated with the degradable polymer and triggered burst release of Nile Red was observed when the nanoparticles were irradiated by UV light. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1161-1168