A description is given of a process of emulsion polymerization of free-radically polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomers selected from the group of the monoesters or diesters of ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic or dicarboxylic acids with alkanols, vinyl esters and/or vinylaromatics and, if desired, further monomers copolymerizable therewith, at least 60% of the total conversion in the polymerization taking place at a temperature of 100.degree. C. to 160.degree. C., the polymerization being performed in the presence of emulsifiers and an amount of 0% to 1% by weight, based on the total amount of the monomers used, of protective colloid. The process can be used to obtain significantly faster conversions for comparable quality of the process products. The dispersions obtained can be employed in a wide variety of different applications, such as binders for paints or as adhesives.