abstract |
A method for producing polycarbonate by melt polymerization can comprise: (a) adding acetone, diaryl carbonate, and dihydroxy compound to the melt polymerization unit, wherein the acetone is added to the melt polymerization unit as a mixture with the diaryl carbonate and/or the dihydroxy compound; (b) adding a catalyst to the melt polymerization unit, optionally without separating out acetone prior to the addition of the catalyst; and (c) operating the melt polymerization unit under conditions so that the dihydroxy compound reacts with the diaryl carbonate to produce polycarbonate with a desired specification, and a phenol byproduct. |