Abstract: This invention provides a process for manufacturing a methyl methacrylate polymer comprising the steps of feeding a monomer containing at least 80 wt % of methyl methacrylate and a radical polymerization initiator represented formula (III) to a reactor; polymerizing the material at a polymerization temperature of 110 to 160° C. under the conditions satisfying particular equations between an initiator concentration and a polymerization temperature; feeding a reaction mixture taken out from the reactor to a devolatilization step (feeding step); and separating and removing volatiles from the reaction mixture (devolatilization step).

Abstract: This invention provides a process for manufacturing a methyl methacrylate polymer comprising the steps of feeding a monomer containing at least 80 wt % of methyl methacrylate and a radical polymerization initiator represented formula (III) to a reactor; polymerizing the material at a polymerization temperature of 110 to 160° C. under the conditions satisfying particular equations between an initiator concentration and a polymerization temperature; feeding a reaction mixture taken out from the reactor to a devolatilization step (feeding step); and separating and removing volatiles from the reaction mixture (devolatilization step). A methyl methacrylate polymer having adequately good optical properties and a plastic optical fiber having improved transmission performance can be prepared according to this invention.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for manufacturing a methyl methacrylate polymer comprising the steps of feeding a monomer containing at least 80 wt % of methyl methacrylate and a radical polymerization initiator represented formula (III) to a reactor; polymerizing the material at a polymerization temperature of 110 to 160° C. under the conditions satisfying particular equations between an initiator concentration and a polymerization temperature; feeding a reaction mixture taken out from the reactor to a devolatilization step (feeding step); and separating and removing volatiles from the reaction mixture (devolatilization step). A methyl methacrylate polymer having adequately good optical properties and a plastic optical fiber having improved transmission performance can be prepared according to this invention.

Abstract: There is provided a superior decreasing method of an N-oxyl compound contained in an easily polymerizable material, according to which the N-oxyl compound contained in an easily polymerizable material can be sufficiently decreased and loss of the easily polymerizable material is little. The easily polymerizable material containing an N-oxyl compound and an acid are contacted with each other. In addition, not only the N-oxyl compound but also an organic titanium group compound contained in the easily polymerizable material can be sufficiently decreased.

Abstract: (Meth)acrylic acid is reacted with a fatty acid anhydride and the resultant reaction mixture is neutralized and washed with an aqueous alkaline solution having a pH of 7.5 to 13.5. Thus, high-purity (meth)acrylic anhydride can be industrially advantageously produced while avoiding polymerization. This (meth)acrylic anhydride is reacted with a secondary or tertiary alcohol in the presence of a basic compound which in 25° C. water has an acidity (pKa) of 11 or lower. Thus, a high-purity (meth)acrylic ester can be produced in high yield.

Abstract: (Meth)acrylic acid is reacted with a fatty acid anhydride and the resultant reaction mixture is neutralized and washed with an aqueous alkaline solution having a pH of 7.5 to 13.5. Thus, high-purity (meth)acrylic anhydride can be industrially advantageously produced while avoiding polymerization. This (meth)acrylic anhydride is reacted with a secondary or tertiary alcohol in the presence of a basic compound which in 25° C. water has an acidity (pKa) of 11 or lower. Thus, a high-purity (meth)acrylic ester can be produced in high yield.

Abstract: There is provided a superior decreasing method of an N-oxyl compound contained in an easily polymerizable material, according to which the N-oxyl compound contained in an easily polymerizable material can be sufficiently decreased and loss of the easily polymerizable material is little. The easily polymerizable material containing an N-oxyl compound and an acid are contacted with each other. In addition, not only the N-oxyl compound but also an organic titanium group compound contained in the easily polymerizable material can be sufficiently decreased.

Abstract: A carboxylic acid ester is prepared by a process comprising: reacting an aldehyde and an alcohol in a liquid phase in the presence of molecular oxygen as indicated by the following reaction: RCHO+R′OH+O2→RCOOR′+H2O in the presence of a catalyst comprising at least palladium and an element X, wherein X is bismuth, lead or a combination thereof, supported on a carrier, wherein the catalyst has an acid strength, pKa, of more than 4.8 and shows an ammonia chemical adsorption amount at 0° C. of 0-150 &mgr;mol/g-catalyst.