A new series of photosensitive poly(arylene ether sulfone)s containing chalcone moiety in the main chain were synthesized from 4,4'-dihydroxychalcone (4DHC), 4,4'-difluorodiphenylsulfone (DFDPS) and bisphenol A (BPA). This series of polymers were characterized by H-1 NMR, FT-IR, UV spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The polymers were stable up to 400 degrees C, which indicates that the polymers possess good thermal properties. The polymers were found to be soluble in polar solvents and chlorinated solvents. However, the polymers were insoluble in hydrocarbons and in hydroxyl group-containing solvents. After the irradiation of UV light, the thin polymer film was crosslinked to give an insoluble film in the absence of a photoinitiator or sensitizers. The rate of photocrosslinking was also examined and discussed. (C) 2010 Elsevier BM. All rights reserved.