Poly{2-(NN-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate [poly(DMMA)]}, which was prepared by radical polymerization initiated with dimethyl 2,2-azobis(2-methylpropionate), was reacted with hydrogen peroxide, diethyl sulfate, and chloroacetic acid to yield poly[N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl)amine N-oxide] [poly(DMANO)], poly [N-ethyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl)ammonium ethyl sulfate] [poly(EDMES)], and poly [N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-methacryloyloxy)ethylammonioacetate] [poly(DMEAA)] as ion-containing water-soluble polymers, respectively. The solution properties of these charged polymers were compared via the reduced viscosities of these three charged polymers in aqueous solutions as a function of the concentration. Poly(EDMES) showed typical polyelectrolyte behavior, and the other two polymers [poly(DMANO) and poly(DMEAA)] exhibited antipolyelectrolyte behavior. Furthermore, the antipolyelectrolyte behavior was different for poly(DMANO) and poly(DMEAA); that is, poly(DMANO) was less dependent on small electrolytes. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.