The preparation of methacrylic and p-styrenesulfonic acid esters of the anti-bacterial agent thymol (2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol) and their characterization by IR, H-1 and C-13 NMR spectroscopy is described. The monomers are radically polymerizable and give polymers in which thymol is covalently attached to the polymer backbone by ester links.