Process for producing low-molecular polyphenylene ether

摘要

A process for producing a low-molecular polyphenylene ether having a content of components with molecular weights of 20,000 or more of 10 mass % or less and a number average molecular weight of 4,000 or less by a redistribution reaction which involves reacting a raw polyphenylene ether having a number average molecular weight of 10,000 or more with a polyphenol compound and a radical initiator, characterized in that the redistribution reaction step is a step conducted in a solvent; the ratio of the raw polyphenylene ether to the solvent (raw polyphenylene ether:solvent) (mass ratio) is provided at 0.4:100 to 40:100 (mass ratio); and the ratio of the radical initiator to the solvent (radical initiator:solvent) (mass ratio) is provided at 0.5:100 to 5:100 (mass ratio).