Renewable and safer bisphenol A substitutes enabled by selective zeolite alkylation

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical that has been used for the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins and other consumer products, including food contact materials and dental resins. However, its petrochemical origin and adverse health effects, such as xeno-oestrogenic activity (EA), pose a challenge for sustainability. Here we show a green synthetic pathway towards genuinely sustainable BPA alternatives from a renewable lignin source. At the heart of this production route is a selective alkylation reaction between bio-based arene (for example, guaiacol) and alkene (for example, isoeugenol) molecules, catalysed by a recyclable zeolite catalyst H-USY. Zeolite catalysis favours regioselectivity and prompts higher reaction rate and chemoselectivity, enabling high yields of bisguaiacols. The synthesized bisguaiacols can be valorized into high-molecular-weight thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers with promising thermophysical properties, showcasing their potential as BPA replacements. This work progresses beyond the state of the art by demonstrating that renewability is not only a goal but also a means for safer chemicals.

Automated summary

This study presents a green synthetic pathway for producing sustainable alternatives to BPA from renewable lignin sources. By utilizing a catalyst, a selective alkylation reaction between bio-based arenes and alkenes was achieved, resulting in high yields of bisguaiacols. These synthesized bisguaiacols can be used as replacements for BPA in the production of high-molecular-weight polymers with promising thermophysical properties.