The bifunctional monomer 2-[4-(2-oxazolinyl) phenoxy]ethyl meth-acrylate [OPEM] was prepared in good yield using the starting material 4-cyanophenol, via a multi-step synthesis method. Since OPEM is very similar to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate [HEMA], OPEM readily copolymerizes with HEMA, using typical free radical initiators. In the presence of proton sources, such as alcohols and acids and using cationic initiators, the oxazoline groups undergo ring-opening polymerization, resulting in crosslinking. The free radical copolymerization and cationic polymerization were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry [DSC]. † Currently at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08903