A series of Poly(methyl methacrylate) gels (PMMA) were prepared for making optical lenses by solution free radical crosslinking copolymerization of 2,2,2,-trifluoroethyl methacrylate (TFEMA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDM), and triphenyl vinyl silane (TPVS) comonomer systems. They were then studied in toluene at a total monomer concentration of 5 molL(-1) and 70 degrees C. The conversion of monomer, volume swelling ratio, weight fraction, and gel point were measured as a function of the TPVS concentration, temperature, and chain transfer agents up to the onset of macrogelation. Structural characteristics of the gels were examined by using equilibrium swelling in toluene, gel fraction, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The morphology of the copolymers was also investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEW). The dilution of the monomer mixture resulted in in increase in the gel point and swelling degree and a decrease in the percentage of conversion and gel fraction. Finally, TPVS is a compatible vinyl type silicone comonomer for this system. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 116: 2465-2472, 2010