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. 2019 Dec 11;8(12):1410-1412.
doi: 10.1002/open.201900319. eCollection 2019 Dec.

Hydrogenative Depolymerization of End-of-Life Poly-(Bisphenol A Carbonate) Catalyzed by a Ruthenium-MACHO-Complex

Tim-Oliver Kindler  1 , Christoph Alberti  1 , Jannis Sundermeier  1 , Stephan Enthaler  1
Affiliations

Hydrogenative Depolymerization of End-of-Life Poly-(Bisphenol A Carbonate) Catalyzed by a Ruthenium-MACHO-Complex

Tim-Oliver Kindler et al. ChemistryOpen. .

Abstract

The valorization of waste to valuable chemicals can contribute to a more resource-efficient and circular chemistry. In this regard, the selective degradation of end-of-life polymers/plastics to produce useful chemical building blocks can be a promising target. We have investigated the hydrogenative depolymerization of end-of-life poly(bisphenol A carbonate). Applying catalytic amounts of the commercial available Ruthenium-MACHO-BH complex the end-of-life polycarbonate was converted to bisphenol A and methanol. Importantly, bisphenol A can be reprocessed for the manufacture of new poly-(bisphenol A carbonate) and methanol can be utilized as energy storage material.

Keywords: catalysis; depolymerization; green chemistry; polymers; recycling.

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Figures

Scheme 1
Scheme 1
Concept for the chemical recycling of 1 via hydrogenation.
Scheme 2
Scheme 2
Depolymerization of poly(bisphenol A carbonate) 1 originated from a DVD [Reaction conditions: 1  b/1  c (6.82 mmol, based on the monomeric unit), 5 (0.5 mol %, 0.0341 mmol based on the repeating unit of 1  a), THF (50.0 mL), 80 °C, 16 h, 45 bar H2).
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References

    1. Plastics are typically composed of polymers and often other substances e. g. fillers, plasticizers, colorants.
    1. Landfill storage depends strongly on local regulations, e. g. in the European Union landfill storage has been limited to the necessary minimum (Landfill directive; see for instance:
    1. Burnley S., Resour. Conserv. Recycl. 2001, 32, 349–358;
    1. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/landfill_index.htm (23.11.2019);
    1. Zia K. H., Bhatti H. N., Bhatti I. A., React. Funct. Polym. 2007, 67, 675–692.

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