We describe the synthesis of three anthracene-methacrylate monomers [9-methacryloxymethyl-10-methyl anthracene (4), 9-methacryloxyethyloxymethyl-10-methyl anthracene (5), and 9-methacryloxy-10-methyl anthracene (6)] as well as their emulsion copolymers containing butylacrylate. When films prepared from latex dispersions containing 4 or 5 were heated, the antkracene (An) group was cleaved from the polymer at temperatures above 120 degreesC. Lower temperatures induced this reaction when strong acids were present. In 4 and 5, the polymerizable group is connected to the An ring via a 9-CH2O-linkage. The cleavage reaction requires more stringent conditions when the connection involves a benzylic ether (5) instead of a benzylic ester. Polymers prepared from 6, with an An-O- bond, were stable for 1 h at 150 degreesC in the presence of 0.5 wt % p-toluene sulfonic acid.