Abstract: This polymer is based on acrylic acid and alkali metal acrylate; it has a degree of absorbency in respect of a physiological solution of 50 to 70 g/g, containing only 20 to 45% of acrylic acid, in molar proportions, and 80 to 55% of potassium acrylate. Its method of preparation is an oil-water suspension polymerization process which is carried out by introducing slowly, while being agitated, into the oil phase containing a protective colloid, a solution obtained starting from an aqueous solution of one or more polymerization initiators and an aqueous solution of the selected monomers, then eliminating any solvent until achieving a degree of dryness of 80.+-.10% by weight, thus isolating the desired copolymer. This polymer is suitable for use as an absorbent.

Abstract: This acid is prepared by a method comprising reacting acrylamide with glyoxylic acid in an aqueous solution at a concentration equal to or higher than 60% and at a temperature of between 30.degree. C. and 80.degree. C., this method being characterized in that this reaction is carried out at a pH of less than 7, in the absence of a catalyst of any type whatsoever but in the presence of an organic solvent selected from the group comprising ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, tetrahydrofuran, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether.