Abstract: A high-molecular-weight polyester is to be prepared in such a way that it is possible to very quickly and advantageously obtain even relatively small amounts having a very high molecular weight.This is achieved by preparing a polyester containing proportions of an alkene diol by continuing the polycondensation step until a viscosity number from 5 to 150 cm.sup.3 /g is reached and subsequently subjecting the polyester thus obtained to a treatment with ionizing radiation until the required viscosity number is reached.With the aid of the process of the invention it is possible to obtain high-molecular-weight polyesters having the desired property profile.

Abstract: A process for producing high molecular weight polyester is provided which allows the production of small quantities of very high molecular weight polyester in a commercially convenient manner, comprising:polycondensing an aromatic dicarboxylic acid with a mixture of an alkanediol and an alkenediol in the presence of a catalyst and in the substatial absence of oxygen, up to a viscosity number in the range from 50 to 140 cm.sup.3 /g to obtain a polyester,contacting said polyester with 0.001 to 8% by weight of an agent which forms free radicals and dissociates with a half-life of 5 seconds to 120 minutes at temperatures in the range from 130.degree. to 350.degree. C., andreacting said polyester and said agent which forms free radicals to provide the high molecular weight polyester.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing 2-propyn-1-ol by decomposing 2-butyn-1,4-diol in the presence of a copper acetylide catalyst. 2-propyn-1-ol is produced at high conversion, yield, and purity.