Latent reactive groups unveiled through equilibrium dynamics and exemplified in crosslinking during film formation from aqueous polymer colloids.

The concept of using equilibrium dynamics to provide for both protection and unveiling of latent functional groups at appropriate times in aqueous polymer colloid coatings designed for crosslinking only during film formation is introduced; the new functional monomer, 4-hydroxyethylsulfonylstyrene (HESS), readily undergoes emulsion copolymerization with acrylates to form stable latexes, followed by crosslinking by loss of water during film formation.