The synthesis of the new modified laser dye from fluorescein ester (II) and acryloyl chloride was performed. The structure of the new monomer 2-(6-acryl- oyloxy-3-oxo-3H-xanthene-9-yl)-benzoic acid ethyl ester [AOXBE] was confirmed by (HNMR)-H-1, IR, (CNMR)-C-13, mass spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Free radical copolymerization of AOXBE with methyl methacrylate (MMA) was discussed using dilatometric technique. The effect of different solvents on the rate of copolymerization reaction was carried out. The rate equation was found to be R-p = [Initiator](0.5473) [Monomer](1.5). It was also noticed that the increase of AOXBE concentration in the monomer feed has an inhibition effect on the rate of copolymerization. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym) Sci 112: 2462-2471, 2009