Polymers useful in formulating dispersing agents for pigments are disclosed. One such polymer can be made from a glycidyl intermediate. A nucleophilic initiator can be reacted with epichlorohydrin to produce a glycidyl intermediate. This intermediate is reacted with an aralkylated phenol to give a hydroxy-functional hydrophobe. Alkoxylation of the hydrophobe gives the desired polymer. In an alternative, approach, the polymer is made by reacting the nucleophilic initiator with an aralkylated phenol glycidyl ether to give the hydroxy-functional hydrophobe, which is then alkoxylated. Pigments dispersions comprising the polymers are also disclosed. The polymers meet the growing needs of the industry with their ease of manufacture, diverse structures, and desirable performance attributes for dispersing a wide range of organic and inorganic pigments. Agricultural applications for the polymers are also disclosed.