Methacrylate based monomer 2,4-dichlorophenyl methacrylate (2,4-DMA) was synthesized by reacting 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DP) with methacryloyl chloride in ethanol. The free radical initiated copolymerization of 2,4DMA with methyl acrylate (MA) was carried out in toluene solution at 70 degrees C using 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator with different monomer feed ratios. The monomer 2,4DMA was characterized by FT-IR and H-1 NMR spectral studies. The copolymers were characterized by IR-spectroscopy. The copolymer composition obtained by UV-spectra led to the determination of reactivity ratios employing Fineman-Ross and Kelen-Tudos linearization methods. The solubility of the polymers was tested in various polar and non-polar solvents. Gel permeation chromatography was employed to determine the molecular weights (M-w and M-n) and polydispersity index of polymers. Thermogravimetric analysis of the polymers reveals that the thermal stability of the copolymers increases with increase in the mole fraction of 2.4-DMA in the copolymers. The prepared homo and copolymers were tested for their antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi and yeast. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.