Aqueous compositions of carboxylic acids, carboxylate esters, and carboxylate salts are generally disclosed, including methods of using such compounds to make various polymers, including, but not limited to, polyesters, polyamides, and polycarbamates. In certain embodiments, the carboxylic acids, carboxylate esters, and carboxylate salts are derived from a renewable source, such as a natural oil.