A novel anionic, polymerizable fumaric surfactant (surfmer) was synthesized. The chemical structure of the surfactant was confirmed with H-1-NMR, IR, and mass spectrometry. The surfmer was then used with constant addition profiles in the semicontinuous polymerization of vinyl acetate, butyl acrylate, Veova 10, and hexafluorobutyl methacrylate. The particle size, amount of coagulum, and stability against electrolytes and freezing/thawing were evaluated. Films were cast from latices; then, photographs were taken of the films after immersion in water for days, and the water adsorption was assessed. As a reference, an unreactive surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate) was also used for the polymerization. Compared with sodium dodecyl sulfate, the surfmer behaved much better with respect to the stability of the latices and the water sensitivity of the films. (C) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.