The dilute solution properties of an anionic polyelectrolyte, poly(potassium-2 -sulfopropylmethacrylate) [poly(SPM) ], are studied by measurements of polymerization rate, intrinsic viscosity, degree of binding, ionic strength, and criticaI micelle concentration. The polymerization of SPM in 0.5M NaCl aqueous solution proceeded more easily than that of SPM in pure water. The polymerization rate of SPM is found to pass through an extreme value as a function of PH. The intrinsic viscosity of this polyelectrolyte is related to the type and concentration
of the salt added. The intrinsic viscosity for anionic polyelectrolyte result ing from the electrostatic repulsive force of the polymer chain is in contrast with the polyampho]yte.
The polyelectrolyte in a high concentration of NaCl has a low degree of binding, indicating that the proton ion (H+) is relatively difficult to hind to the sulfonate group (SO?') at the polymer end. An increase in ionic strength causes the pKa (dissociation constant ) to decrease at the half-neutralization point. The monomer solutions exhibit a plot typical of those observed for detergents, with a break in the curve occurring at the critical micelle concent ration. For the polymer solutions, no break in the equivalent conductance curve was found for the concentrations studied. The polymer is adapted for use as viscosity-controlling agents in secondary oil recovery operations by water flooding. We have the proposed models to account for the poly(SPM) solution viscometrics.