Emulsion polymerization process

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a polymeric resin which contains repeat units which are derived from maleic anhydride in an emulsion polymerization process which comprises polymerizing a vinyl aromatic monomer and an alkyl acrylate monomer in an aqueous medium in the presence of a styrene-maleic anhydride seed polymer which is neutralized with a tertiary amine. Such polymers, which contain repeat units which are derived from a vinyl aromatic monomer, an alkyl acrylate monomer, and maleic anhydride, are particularly useful as electrostatic image developing toner resins. For instance, resins, which are comprised of repeat units which are derived from styrene, butyl acrylate, and maleic anhydride, are particularly useful as toner resins.