Abstract: A method for the preparation of compositions of poly(2-propenal, 2-propenoic acid) comprising the method steps of dissolving the poly(2-propenal, 2-propenoic acid) in aqueous base, adding an organic compound containing one or more hydrophobic groups, and subsequently acidifying the solution, whereby interaction between the hydrophobic groups of the organic compound and the poly(2-propenal, 2-propenoic acid) prevents precipitation of the poly(2-propenal, 2-propenoic acid) occurring at pH >5.5 and the solution is consequently stable over a broad pH range.