Method for producing synthetic polymerizates with very low residual monomer content

The invention relates to a process for producing synthetic polymers based on acrylic acid and derivatives thereof, which polymers have an exceedingly low content of residual monomers. The polymers have high molecular weights and either are water-soluble or have high absorptive capacity for water, aqueous solutions and body fluids. The invention relates to a method for producing water-soluble or water-swellable polymerizates with a low residual monomer content from acrylic acid and/or acrylic acid derivatives. The method is characterized by the addition of a nitrogen compound to the monomer solution to be polymerized, an in that the polymerizate is subsequently heated at temperature of 120 to 240° C. The polymerizates produced according to the inventive method are suitable as flocculants, dispersants and absorbers.