| abstract |
The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I) [wherein R, independently of each other, is a further methylol group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms, or an aryl group or aralkyl group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms. In a method for purifying a crude polymethylol comprising a polymethylol of formula (IV) and a hydroxy acid of formula (IV) [wherein R is independently a group as defined above] The bottom of the column is connected to at least one short residence time evaporator. The invention further relates to a composition comprising polymethylol and from 1 to 10,000 ppm by weight of polymethylol and an ester of a hydroxy acid, and uses thereof. |