Polyhydroxyalkanoates having in its side chain phenylsulfinyl structure and/or phenyl sulfonyl structure and production process therefore; charge control agent, toner binder and toner containing same; image forming method and image forming apparatus using the toner

摘要

The present invention provides a novel polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) containing a 3-hydroxyalkanoic unit which has at its side chain terminal a substituted phenylsulfinyl group and/or a substituted phenylsulfonyl group, and a production process thereof. The novel PHA can be produced by oxidizing with a peroxide a biosynthetic PHA containing a 3-hydroxyalkanoic unit which has at its side chain terminal a substituted phenylsufanyl group. The novel PHA has a superior function as a charge control agent, besides is biodegradable, hence is contributable to environmental conservation. <IMAGE>