SynopsisMaleic anhydride or 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride was copolymerized with a number of alkyl vinyl ethers, with AIBN as the initiator. The comonomers were always alternating and were obtained in yields ranging from 15 to 99%. The acid anhydride group in both series of copolymers was converted to the corresponding methyl esters in a two-step reaction. The structure of these polymers was established by elementalanalysis and by infrared, 'Hand 13C-NMR spectroscopy. Additional characterization of these copolymers were carried out by viscosity measurements, differential scanning calorimetry for the determination of glass transition temperatures, and thermal degradation for the determination of the thermal stability of the copolymers.* This paper is dedicated to Professor Junji Furukawa on the occasion of his seventieth birthday, with warmest personal wishes.