The molecular packing and spatial correlations of polymers [CH 2 CR(COOR')] n (R= H, Me; R'= (CH 2 ) 11 + NMe 2 (CH 2 ) 3 SO 3 - ; (CH 2 ) 2 + N(Me)[(CH 2 ) 3 SO 3 - ][C 10 H 21 ]) are studied by means of X-ray analysis and conformational calculations. The analysis of the correlation functions and density distribution profiles suggest a double-layered molecular packing which is discussed for the three polymers investigated, with respect to their different chemical structures. Whereas the zwitterionic polymethacrylates studied exhibit liquid-like short-range order, the polyacrylate analog exhibits an ordered double-layered superstructure