| abstract |
An aromatic polycarbonate having high durability and excellent in color tone, transparency, and mechanical strength, especially one having high durability and stability in long-term use under high-temperature high-humidity conditions; a process for producing the polycarbonate; and a use thereof. The aromatic polycarbonate has a sodium content of 100 ppb or lower and nickel, lead, chromium, manganese, and iron contents of 70 ppb or lower each. The process for producing the aromatic polycarbonate comprises condensation-polymerizing an aromatic dihydroxy compound and a carbonic diester. The starting materials each has been regulated so that (1) the sodium content therein is 52 ppb or lower and (2) the concentrations of iron, chromium, manganese, nickel, and lead therein each is 40 ppb or lower. For the polymerization, (3) a specific catalyst is used in a specific amount based on the iron contained in the starting materials. |