Disclosed is a pH responsive polymer made with mono-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phthalate and/or mono-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl hexahydro]phthalate. Also disclosed is an aqueous coating composition including at least one latex polymer derived from at least one monomer copolymerized or blended with alkali swellable acrylate copolymer. Also provided is an aqueous coating composition including at least one latex polymer derived from at least one monomer blended with alkali swellable acrylate copolymer, at least one pigment, and water. Also provided is a method of preparing an aqueous coating composition such as a latex paint including the above components. Also provided are methods of preparing mono-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phthalate. Also provided are compositions and methods using the polymer in hydraulic fracturing, personal care and or home and industrial cleaners.