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Updated: Sep 26, 2025

Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers
Published on: December 16, 2022
Chemical Recycling of Poly(Cyclohexene Carbonate) Using a Di-MgII Catalyst
Frances N Singer1, Arron C Deacy2, Thomas M McGuire2
1Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Centre for Sustainable and Circular Technologies, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
Abstract:
Chemical recycling of polymers to true monomers is pivotal for a circular plastics economy. Here, the first catalyzed chemical recycling of the widely investigated carbon dioxide derived polymer, poly(cyclohexene carbonate), to cyclohexene oxide and carbon dioxide is reported. The reaction requires dinuclear catalysis, with the di-MgII catalyst showing both high monomer selectivity (>98 %) and activity (TOF=150 h-1 , 0.33 mol %, 120 °C). The depolymerization occurs via a chain-end catalyzed depolymerization mechanism and DFT calculations indicate the high selectivity arises from Mg-alkoxide catalyzed epoxide extrusion being kinetically favorable compared to cyclic carbonate formation.
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