METHOD FOR PRODUCING 2-HYDROXYISOBUTYRIC ACID POLYMER AND METHOD FOR DEPOLYMERIZING SAME

摘要

To recycle a 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid polymer resource, which is excellent in terms of heat resistance, structural stability and resource recyclability, by using a renewable resource as a starting material.  A method for producing a 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid polymer which comprises using, as a starting material for producing the 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid polymer, 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid or a derivative thereof that is obtained from a renewable resource, conducting polymerization, and then treating the thus obtained 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid polymer with an acidic substance to thereby stabilize the polymer; and a method for depolymerizing a 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid polymer which comprises solvolyzing the polymer in the presence of water and/or an alcohol or thermally degrading the polymer with or without the use of a catalyst to give a starting material such as 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid or methacrylic acid.