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Imino‐Pyrrole Zn(II) Complexes for the Rapid and Selective Chemical Recycling of Commodity Polymers
Author(s) -
Stewart Jack A.,
Powell Louis T. W.,
Cullen Matthew J.,
KociokKöhn Gabrielle,
Davidson Matthew G.,
Jones Matthew D.
Publication year - 2025
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.202502845
Subject(s) - catalysis , degradation (telecommunications) , solvent , chemistry , zinc , pyrrole , polymer , commodity chemicals , organic chemistry , nuclear chemistry , telecommunications , computer science
Abstract Three imino‐pyrrole zinc complexes were prepared and applied to the rapid degradation of polylactic acid (PLA) and the depolymerization of bisphenol A polycarbonate (BPA‐PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PLA alcoholysis proceeded rapidly at a range of conditions, including reflux in air. Remarkable activity was demonstrated for the solvent‐free methanolysis of PLA at mild conditions with full conversion reached in 11 min at 80 °C. Various conditions were investigated including a range of PLA sources and, importantly, catalyst recycling was demonstrated. The methanolysis of BPA‐PC and the glycolysis of PET were achieved, the latter giving full conversion after 1.5 h for all catalysts. The chemical recycling of mixed plastic feedstocks was investigated, including the selective and sequential degradation of a PLA/BPA‐PC mixture with a single catalyst and solvent.