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Updated: Sep 21, 2025
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Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers
Published on: December 16, 2022
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Synthesis of Functionalized Cyclic Carbonates through Commodity Polymer Upcycling
Coralie Jehanno1,2, Jeremy Demarteau1, Daniele Mantione1
1POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Joxe Mari Korta Center, Avda. Tolosa 7, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain.
ACS Macro Letters
|June 1, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a sustainable organocatalytic method to create functionalized cyclic carbonates from bisphenol A polycarbonate (BPA-PC). This approach offers an efficient route to valuable monomers for advanced polymer synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Organic Synthesis
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Functionalized cyclic carbonates are key monomers for polycarbonates and polyurethanes.
- Current synthesis methods face challenges in sustainability and efficiency.
- Bisphenol A based polycarbonate (BPA-PC) is a widely available commodity polymer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sustainable and efficient organocatalytic method for synthesizing functionalized cyclic carbonates.
- To utilize BPA-PC as a cost-effective and renewable feedstock for carbonate monomers.
- To explore the versatility of the method in producing various cyclic carbonate structures.
Main Methods:
- Organocatalytic depolymerization of BPA-PC.
- Reaction optimization for yield and selectivity.
- Characterization of synthesized cyclic carbonate products.
Main Results:
- Successful depolymerization of BPA-PC using an organocatalytic system.
- Good to excellent yields of various carbonate-containing heterocycles achieved.
- Synthesis of functionalized six-membered cyclic carbonates demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- The proposed organocatalytic procedure provides a sustainable and efficient route to functionalized cyclic carbonates from BPA-PC.
- This method offers a valuable alternative for producing monomers for advanced polymer applications.
- Utilizing commodity polymers like BPA-PC as a source for monomers aligns with green chemistry principles.
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