Zinc(II)acetate Catalyzed Depolymerization of Poly(ethylene terephthalate)

摘要

The depolymerization of plastic waste to valuable chemicals(waste-to-chemicals)can be a useful implement for a resourceefficient economy.In this regard,the selective depolymerization of end-of-life poly(ethylene terephthalate)(PET)via zinc(II)acetate-catalyzed methanolysis was investigated.As low molecular weight products dimethyl terephthalate and ethylene glycol were generated.With the support of microwave heating excellent yields and selectivities were realized and a selection of daily-used PET goods were depolymerized.The obtained chemicals can be used for the(re)polymerization to new PET.Additionally,the generated dimethyl terephthalate was used as platform chemical for the synthesis of different molecules relevant for polymerization chemistry.