Method for producing various molecular weight polyesters

A method for reducing the molecular weight of a polyester, comprising:

• extruding a composition comprising a chain scission agent and a polyester in a molten state to form a modified polyester;
• wherein the extruding occurs at a temperature of 230 to 330° C. in an extruder comprising at least one screw rotating at a speed of 50 to 500 revolutions per minute;
• wherein the chain scission agent is present in an amount of 0.1 to 5 weight percent based on the total weight of the composition;
• wherein the chain scission agent comprises a C2-12 alkane diol;
• wherein the polyester comprises a C2-12 alkyl phthalate polyester having a weight average molecular weight, Mwi, of 15,000 to 100,000 g/mol determined using gel permeation chromatography based on polystyrene standards;
• and
• wherein the modified polyester has a weight average molecular weight, Mwf, of at least 5% less than the weight average molecular weight of the polyester.