Abstract: Fluorinated styrenes of the formula I; ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl and R.sub.2 is the repeating unit ##STR2## where x is zero or any positive integer, which are useful as compatibilizing and toughening agents for various polymers such as styrene, dienes (butadiene, isoprene, etc.) acrylates, polymethacrylates, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyamides, etc. Particularly preferred are p-(1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-hydroxy isopropyl)-.alpha.-methylstyrene, polymers thereof, block and random copolymers thereof and polymer blends incorporating the same.