A monomer comprises the structure wherein R1 comprises H or a substituted hydrocarbyl or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl, and wherein R2 comprises H, a halide, or a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C4) hydrocarbyl. A method comprises (a) reacting a dianhydrohexitol precursor having the structure with an acyl-group containing compound having the structure wherein R1 comprises H or a substituted hydrocarbyl or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl, and X comprises a halide, a hydroxyl group, or an acyl group to form an acylated dianhydrohexitol ester intermediate having the structure and (b) reacting the acylated dianhydrohexitol ester intermediate with an acrylic-based compound having the structure wherein R2 comprises H, a halide, or a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C4) hydrocarbyl, and Y comprises a halide, a hydroxyl group, or an acyl group, to form a dianhydrohexitol-based monomer having the structure