The synthesis and characterization of a fully aliphatic polymeric azide by polymerization of its vinyl monomer 1,3-diazidoisopropyl methacrylate (DAIPM) is reported. DAIPM was prepared by azidation of epichlorohydrin followed by coupling with methacrylic acid. Homopolymer and copolymers with methyl methacrylate were prepared and characterized by IR, GPC, TGA, DTA, and elemental analyses. These polymers are freely soluble in organic solvents like dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, di-methyl formamide, acetone, and so forth and do not crosslink on storing. The polymers show decreased thermal stability with an increase in azide content and undergo exothermic decomposition on heating. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Inc.