Thin films of poly(ethyl acrylate) and poly(n-butyl acrylate) were decomposed in vacuo by means of a high pressure Hg lamp, and the rate of development of volatile products was measured. The main gaseous products were CO, CO//2, and the alcohol, aldehyde, alkane, and formate derived from the respective ester groups. In addition poly(ethyl acrylate) evolved acetal as well as ethyl propionate, while n-butyl valerate was evolved from poly(n-butyl acrylate) only after prolonged exposure. All products and the principal features of the decomposition are discussed.