The synthesis of new amphiphilic oligoesters containing a hydrophobic block based on p-alkoxycinnamate and hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) is reported. Two hydrophobic monomers, 1,2-(bis(4-(2-carboxyvinyl)phenoxy))ethane (M2) and 1,12-(bis(4-(2-carboxyvinyl) phenoxy))dodecane (M12), were synthesized. Four oligoesters, poly((1,2-(bis(4-(2-carboxyvinyl)phenoxy))ethane)-co-(poly(ethylene oxide)200)) (P2-200), poly((1,2-(bis(4-(2-carboxyvinyl)phenoxy))ethane)-co-(poly(ethylene oxide)400)) (P2-400), poly((1,12-(bis(4-(2-carboxyvinyl)phenoxy))dodecane)-co-(poly(ethylene oxide)400)) (P12-400), and poly((1,12-(bis(4-(2-carboxyvinyl)phenoxy))dodecane)-co-(poly(ethylene oxide)1000)) (P12-1000) were then constructed by reacting the M2 or M12 with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with lengths of similar to 4 (PEO 200), similar to 10 (PEO 400), or similar to 23 (PEO1000) units using multiple esterifications. These oligoesters possess UVB absorption properties and show good solubility in various organic solvents. Self-assembly of the oligoesters; into aqueous spherical colloids could be induced through an acetone to water solvent displacement technique. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 115:1724-1731, 2010