Photoactive structures such as benzophenone chromophoric groups were incorporated onto polymers by using a Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction. The structures and properties of the resultant polymers, poly (styrene-co-vinylbenzophenone) were evaluated as the ratio of benzoyl chloride to phenyl groups in polystyrene in the acylation bath increased. The results proved that the poly (styrene-co-vinylbenzophenone) in different contents of benzophenone groups was successfully prepared, and the contents of the benzophenone chromophoric group branched in the resultant polymer increased as the amount of benzoyl chloride in acylation bath increased. Also, the poly (styrene-co-vinylbenzophenone) copolymers revealed superior special activities such as antibacterial ability. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.