A novel amphiphilic phosphorus-containing polymer was prepared by RAFT polymerization of 3-[2(acryloyloxy)ethoxyl-3-oxopropy](phenyl) phosphinic acid (AOPA). The monomer was first synthesized by esterification of 3-[hydroxy(phenyl)phosphoryllpropanoic acid and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, and then the polymerizations were performed at 60 degrees C. The polymerization was well controlled, and the polymers with "well-defined" structures were successfully synthesized. The polymers can self-assemble to form the micelles in distilled water due to the special amphiphilic structure, and the shell of the micelles could be cross-linked by the coordination of phosphinic acid with cations. The property may promote the polymers to be used in the ionic exchange for the environment protection. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.