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

摘要

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.