Novel findings are reported on hydrogels and aqueous solutions of the zwitt
erionic polymer, poly[1-(3-sulfopropyl)-2-vinylpyridinium-betaine]. In aque
ous media of high pH: (a) the chemically crosslinked polymer develops a red
dish-brown coloration followed by physical disintegration and dissolution,
and (b) the corresponding linear polymer exhibits the same coloration and u
ndergoes a reduction in molecular weight, solution viscosity and T-g. These
finding lie in sharp contrast to normal behaviour exhibited in neutral and
acidic aqueous media. Although an unequivocal definitive mechanism is not
known, a possible explanation consistent with the experimental observations
is suggested.