Water-soluble sulfonated acetone-formaldehyde (SAF) resins were synthesized by the reaction among acetone, formaldehyde, and sodium bisulfite. The factors affecting the properties of SAF resins and optimum conditions of preparation were investigated. The SAF resins prepared under proper conditions have good water solubility and high performance as a superplasticizer used in concrete. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.