Radical-initiated polymerization of N-(2,2 dimethoxyethyl)-N-methylacrylamide has been carried out either in chloroform or methanol using 2,2’-azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator, allowing us to prepare acetal containing water-soluble polymers. A kinetic study in both solvents showed that this monomer fairly homopolymerized (k(p) . k(t)(-1/2) = 1 mol(-1/2) L(1/2) s(-1/2)). Static light scattering was used to characterize the molecular weight of these polymers. In addition, the Mark-Houwink-Sakurada relationship was established based on viscosity measurements performed at 25 degrees C in water. Recovery of the aldehyde moieties on the polymer was achieved under mild conditions using a diluted inorganic solution. The analysis of the formation of aldehyde groups was performed by H-1- and C-13-NMR. The covalent binding of oligodeoxyribonucleotides was carried out in water/acetonitrile mixtures with subsequent NaBH4 reduction of the imine bonds so as to stabilize the polymer/oligodeoxynucleotide conjugates.