A polymer and methods of producing the polymer for use, for instance, in mineral processing, including kaolin and calcium carbonate beneficiation are discussed. The method of producing the polymer can include polymerizing at least one monomer in the presence of a polymerization initiator, a chain transfer agent, and a polymerization stabilizer to produce a polymer containing at least one carboxylic acid, wherein the at least one monomer includes an unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer, and wherein the polymer containing at least one carboxylic acid is stable and has a molecular weight of about 1000 g/mol to about 10,000 g/mol.