Depolymerization of End-of-Life Poly(bisphenol A carbonate) via Alkali-Metal-Halide-Catalyzed Methanolysis

Chemical recycling, composed of depolymerization and polymerization, of end-of-life polymers (plastics) can contribute to a sustainable and resource-conserving society. In this respect, we have installed a straightforward procedure for the first step (depolymerization) of the chemical recycling of end-of-life poly(bisphenol A carbonate). Operating with a combination of methanol and catalytic amounts of potassium fluoride end-of-life poly(bisphenol A carbonate) was depolymerized to the building blocks bisphenol A and dimethyl carbonate. With the assistance of microwave heating, an excellent rate of depolymerization (>99%) was observed within short reaction times (5 min) and turnover frequencies up to similar to 1844 h(-1) were realized. Noteworthly, bisphenol A and dimethyl carbonate could be applied as monomers for new poly(bisphenol A carbonate), therefore a closed cycle for poly(bisphenol A carbonate) is feasible.