Zinc(II)-triflate as catalyst precursor for ring-closing depolymerization of end-of-life polytetrahydrofuran to produce tetrahydrofuran

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 131; no. 2; pp. np - n/a
• Main Author: Enthaler, Stephan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, NJ Blackwell Publishing Ltd 15.01.2014; Wiley; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Catalysts; degradation; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymers; recycling; Technology of polymers; Waste treatment; Catalytic reaction; Monomer recovery; Zinc II Organic compounds; degradation; Chemical degradation; Experimental study; Tetrahydrofurane; Tetrahydrofuran polymer; Depolymerization; Cyclic ether polymer; Cyclization; catalysts; Reaction mechanism; Recycling; Plastic waste
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.39791

ABSTRACT The recycling of polymers continues to be an important subject for a greener and sustainable society. Especially, the deconstruction of end‐of‐life polymers to monomers creates a feedstock for new high‐quality polymeric materials and contributes to conserve resources and allow an efficient waste‐managing system. In this study, zinc(II)‐triflate as catalyst precursor has been examined in detail In the ring‐closing depolymerization of end‐of‐life polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF) to generate tetrahydrofuran (THF). Noteworthy, the produced THF can be a suitable starting material for new polymeric materials. With the cheap and abundant Zn(OTf)2 (1.0 mol %) as precatalyst excellent yields (up to 95%) were feasible for the depolymerization of PolyTHF at 180°C within 30 min. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39791.