Poly(4-vinylpyridine N-oxide) was synthesized and its chemical structure characterized by ultra-violet and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. The polymer was soluble in water and trifluoroethanol. The viscosity and light scattering behaviours of the polymer are similar to those often observed for polyelectrolytes, although the polymer contains no ionizable groups. The strong N-O dipole and the attendant interparticle electrostatic repulsion are believed to be the cause for the unusual solution behaviour.