Ruthenium-Catalyzed Hydrogenative Depolymerization of End-of-Life Poly(bisphenol A carbonate)

Abstract

The conversion of end-of-life products to useful chemicals (waste-to-chemicals) can afford a resource-efficient economy. In this context, the depolymerization of end-of-life polymers to yield low molecular weight chemicals can be an interesting target. Based on that, the selective depolymerization of end-of-life poly(bisphenol A carbonate) via hydrogenation was studied. Applying hydrogen and a ruthenium(II) complex as catalyst (Milstein Catalyst) end-of-life poly(bisphenol A carbonate) was hydrogenated to bisphenol A and methanol. The bisphenol A can be reused for the production of fresh polycarbonates; therefore a recycling is possible. On the other hand methanol can be used as hydrogen carrier and can be subjected to the hydrogen economy.