Novel, developer-soluble anti-reflective coating compositions and methods of using those compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a multi-functional acid reacted with a multi-functional vinyl ether to form a branched polymer or oligomer. In use, the compositions are applied to a substrate and thermally crosslinked. Upon exposure to light and post-exposure baking, the cured polymers/oligomers will decrosslink and depolymerize, rendering the layer soluble in typical photoresist developing solutions (e.g., alkaline developers).