A method for residual monomer diminution by which a residual monomer is
speedily removed from an N-vinyl compound polymer or the like without
posing a problem such as an increase in ash content; and a process for
producing an N-vinyl compound polymer solution or powder which has a
regulated pH and is free from a decrease in pH with time.The method
comprises adding an organic acid having a boiling point of 140.degree. C.
or higher at ordinary pressure to anaqueous solution of an N-vinyl
compound polymer. The process comprises adding an organic base to an
aqueous N-vinyl compound polymer solution having a pH lower than 7.0 to
thereby neutralize the solution and regulate the pH thereof. Those
operations are conducted in a reaction vessel in which a gaseous phase is
regulated so as to have an oxygen concentration of 5.0% by volume or
lower.