This invention provides acrylate polymers having at least two different ester groups. The ester groups are selected from the following: a) an aralkyl group; b) a linear alkylether group; c) a polyethoxylated alkylaryl group; and d) a polyethoxylated alkyl group, with the proviso that at least one of said ester groups is selected from b) or d). Processes for preparing such polymers and processes for breaking emulsions with these acrylate polymers are also provided.