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Room Temperature Organocatalyzed Reductive Depolymerization of Waste Polyethers, Polyesters, and Polycarbonates
Author(s) -
Feghali Elias,
Cantat Thibault
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.201500054
Subject(s) - depolymerization , polyester , catalysis , polymer , hydrosilylation , organic chemistry , chemistry , polymer chemistry , materials science
The reductive depolymerization of a variety of polymeric materials based on polyethers, polyesters, and polycarbonates is described using hydrosilanes as reductants and metal‐free catalysts. This strategy enables the selective depolymerization of waste polymers as well as bio‐based polyesters to functional chemicals such as alcohols and phenols at room temperature. Commercially available B(C 6 F 5 ) 3 and [Ph 3 C + ,B(C 6 F 5 ) 4 − ] catalysts are active hydrosilylation catalysts in this procedure and they are compatible with the use of inexpensive and air‐stable polymethylhydrosiloxane and tetramethyldisiloxane as reductants. A significant advantage of this recycling method is derived from its tolerance to the additives present in waste plastics and its ability to selectively depolymerize mixtures of polymers.