title: Room temperature organocatalyzed reductive depolymerization of waste polyethers, polyesters, and polycarbonates.
abstract: 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(C6 F5)3 and [Ph3 C(+),B(C6 F5)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.
authors.affiliation: CEA, Physical Sciences Division (DSM), IRAMIS, NIMBE, CNRS UMR 3685, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette (France) http://iramis.cea.fr/Pisp/thibault.cantat/index.htm.
authors.forename: Elias
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Feghali
authors.forename: Thibault
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cantat
mesh_terms: D002384:Catalysis; D004987:Ethers / Q000737:chemistry*; D011076:Polycarboxylate Cement / Q000737:chemistry*; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry*; D058105:Polymerization; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D004987:Ethers; D011076:Polycarboxylate Cement; D011091:Polyesters; C005506:polycarbonate
keywords: depolymerization; homogeneous catalysis; hydrosilylation; polyesters; recycling