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Homopolymers and copolymers of [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trialkylammonium chloride were synthesized, characterized, and hydrolysis of the ester functional group was studied as a function of pH. Hydrolysis was found to be rapid under basic conditions, converting the cationic [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trialkylammonium chloride units into anionic acrylate salt monomer residue and choline chloride or its alkyl derivative, thereby transforming the polycation into a polyanion. The ester group under neutral or acidic pH is remarkably stable, although hydrolysis is catalyzed by carboxylate ions. Blends of these polymers with other polymers containing stable cationic groups remain in aqueous solution upon converting the functional groups from cationic to anionic by alkaline hydrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]