Abstract: High acid content latexes can be produced through the use of novel polyethyleneoxy sulfonates surfactants. An aqueous emulsion can be produced from the reaction product of vinyl acid monomer and another copolymerizable monomer or monomers. The vinyl acid monomer being present in an amount equal to about 5% to about 50% by weight based on total weight of the monomers and the surfactant is present in an amount equal to about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent based on the total weight of monomers and is represented by the formula:R.sub.1 (R.sub.2).sub.y O(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n-1 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 SO.sub.3 Mewherein:R.sub.1 is an alkyl having at least 6 carbon atoms;R.sub.2 is an aryl group;n is at least 3; andMe is NH.sub.4, Na, Li or K.Y is 0 or 1.

Abstract: Improved surfactants can be produced from alkyl aryl poly(ethyleneoxy) sulfonates, represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R is an alkyl or dialkyl group having at least 6 carbon atoms; andn is greater than 9; andMe is a monovalent cation, preferably Na, NH.sub.4, K or Li.High solids content aqueous vinyl acetate emulsions having long term stability are provided by polymerizing vinyl acetate in the presence of the surfactant and water. The quantity of water is predetermined so as to produce a latex having at least 40% solids.