The monomer 2,4-dichlorophenylacrylate was synthesized from 2,4-dichlorophenol and characterized by conventional methods. Homo- and copolymers of 2,4-dichlorophenylacrylate and butylmethacrylate were synthesized with different feed ratios using N,N-dimethylformamide as a solvent and 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator at 70°C. The resulting polymers were characterized by infrared spectroscopy. Copolymer compositions were determined by ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. The monomer reactivity ratios were determined by applying the conventional linearization method of Fineman-Ross and Kelen-Tudos. The reactivity ratios values of 2,4-dichlorophenylacrylate and butylmethacrylate obtained from F-R plot are 0.91 and 1.15 respectively and from K-T plot, 0.97 and 1.24 respectively. The molecular weight and polydispersity of copolymers were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Thermo gravimetric analyses of the polymers were carried out in a nitrogen atmosphere. Thermal data suggest that the polymers underwent double decomposition. Homo and copolymers were tested for their antimicrobial properties against various microorganisms and showed strong inhibitory effects.