Depolymerization of Polyester and Polycarbonate Waste using HBpin and Cheap Zinc Catalysts

This work describes a novel method for the efficient reductive depolymerization of polyester and polycarbonate plastic waste using pinacolborane (HBpin) catalyzed by Zn(OAc)2.2H2O and Zn(OTf)2. This method is applied to a variety of plastic waste and has the advantages of combining the use of non-toxic, cheap, and commercially available catalysts with a mild, easy-to-handle reducing agent, with excellent yields, under mild reaction conditions. New efficient catalytic systems for the reductive depolymerization of plastic waste combining non-toxic, cheap, and commercially available zinc catalysts with a mild, easy-to-handle reducing agent, under mild reaction conditions.image