Two polyols based on poly(R-3-hydroxybutyrate) were prepd. by glycolysis with 1,2-ethanodiol in CHCl3 or CH2ClCH2Cl at b. temp. and then studied by FT-IR and H-1 NMR spectroscopies to confirm their assumed chem. structures and by DSC to det. their thermal properties. A decrease in intrinsic viscosity, mol. mass and m. p. of the raw materials was obsd. during glycolysis.