4-Nitrophenyl acrylate (NPA) was prepared and characterized by LR and NMR spectroscopic techniques. Poly(4-nitrophenyl acrylate) [poly(NPA)] and copolymers of glycidyl methacrylate ( GMA) and NPA having various feed compositions in a 2-butanone solution using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator at 65 degrees C +/- 0.5 degrees C were prepared. Copolymer compositions were determined by H-1-NMR analysis. The monomer reactivity ratios were determined by Fineman-Ross, Kelen-Tudos, and extended Kelen-Tudos methods. The molecular weights of the polymers were determined by gel permeation chromatography. Thermogravimetric analysis of the polymers was performed in air and their thermal stability was studied.