We describe the synthesis and characterization of 1-(1-anthryl)-1-phenylethylene (1-An-E) and 1-(2-anthryl)-1-phenylethylene (2-An-E). These species were used to end cap the living end group of polyisoprene (PI) obtained by anionic polymerization in tetrahydrofuran. The anions generated were used to initiate methyl methacrylate polymerization. In this way, we synthesized two symmetrical PI-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) block copolymers each with a single dye at the junction. PI-An1-PMMA has an anthracene linked via its 1-position. PI-An2-PMMA has the anthracene linked via its 2-position. We compare the UV and fluorescence properties of the polymers to model compounds with similar chromophores. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.