The first detalled study of the hlgh-mass, unlt-resolution mass spectra of acrylic polymers Is reported. In the hlgh-mass range all polymers show repeating patterns extending to ca. 3500 Da. Each pattern conslsts of a number of clusters whlch, In turn, conslst of a series of lndlvldual spectral lines. The clusters are shown to be derived from neutral fragments of the polymer chaln, each catlonlzed wlth a silver Ion. The clusters result from closely related species differing by degrees of unsaturatlon. Fragments observed arise from Isolated events. Polymer chain sclsslon can be ratlonaked by several slmple mechanisms, to a first approxlmatlon invoivlng malnchain fracture. The effect of the ester R group becomes more Important wlth Increasing chain length, as well as with the addltlon of rings and branchlng of the ester group. Detailed analysls of the structure of the clusters showed that at least four chemkal speck contribute to each cluster, correspondlng to zero to three rings and/or double bonds.