Purpose – This paper aims to report the synthesis of resins having fluorescence properties, with the help of phenylacetylene (PhAc) by one-step method of in situ modification of ketonic resin. Cyclohexanone-formaldehyde resin (CFR) and acetophenone formaldehyde resin (AFR) were in situ modified with PhAc, in presence of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) by condensation polymerisation. Design/methodology/approach – Ketone, formalin and phenylacetylene were mixed and then 20% aqueous NaOH solution was added to produce the phenylacethylene modified ketonic resin. The solubility, molecular weight and thermal properties of the products were investigated. Findings – These new PhAc-modified ketonic resins (PAc-CFR and PAc-AFR) have fluorescence properties. Research limitations/implications – This study focuses on obtaining a fluorescence resin using a cyclohexanone, acetophenone and PhAc monomer which is an insulator. Practical implications – This study provides technical information for the synthesis of fluorescence comonomers. The modified resins contain acetylene groups. A chemical redox or radical system can be used to polymerise these acetylene groups and resins with much higher molecular weight. The resins may also promote the adhesive strength of a coating and corrosion inhibition to metal surfaces of a coating. Social implications – The resins will be used for the preparation of AB- and ABA-type block copolymers. These block copolymers may exhibit different properties due to incorporation of monomer into the block copolymer structure. Originality/value – PAc-CFR and PAc-AFR have been synthesised in the presence of a basic catalyst. Higher solubility and fluorescence intensity of the modified ketonic resins may increase their applications in the field of electroactive polymers and open new areas. These comonomers have fluorescence property.