Synthesis of a series of novel polysilanes (PIIs) with a relatively high content of chromophore with high beta mu values as side chains is reported. Treating the parent poly(dimethyl-co-methylphenyl)silanes (PO) with acetyl chloride and aluminum chloride gave a polysilane PI with chlorine substituents. Replacement of the chlorine of PI with a chromophore was achieved using hydroxy-containing chromophores in the presence of triethylamine to yield the polysilanes, PII-1 and PII-2. Investigation by gel permeation chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry indicates that PII-1 and PII-2 exhibit relatively high molecular weights (M-W similar to 15000) and high glass transition temperatures (143 and 132 degreesC, respectively.). The polymers are potential photorefractive materials. A study on the photorefractive effect of PIIs is in progress.