The present invention provides heterocyclic vinylic compounds that can be used to form biocidal polymers. The polymers thus generated can used alone or can be grafted onto textiles, fabrics and polymers. The polymers are readily converted to N-halamine structures on exposure to a halogen source such as commercially available chlorine bleach. The N-halamine derivatives exhibit potent antibacterial properties against microoganisms and these properties are durable and regenerable.