Room Temperature Organocatalysed Reductive Depolymerisation of Waste Polyethers, Polyesters and Polycarbonates
Résumé
The reductive depolymerisation of a variety of polymeric materials based on polyethers, polyesters and polycarbonates is described, using hydrosilanes reductants and metal-free catalysts. This novel strategy enables the selective depolymerisation of waste polymers as well as bio-based polyesters to functional chemicals such as alcohols and phenols, at room temperature. Commercially available B(C6F5)3 and [Ph3C+,B(C6F5)4-] catalysts are active hydrosilylation catalysts in this procedure and they are compatible with the use of inexpensive and air–stable PMHS and TMDS as reductants. A significant advantage of this recycling method derives from its tolerance to the additives present in waste plastics and its ability to perform the selective depolymerisation of mixtures of polymers.