Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Hydrogenative Depolymerization of End‐of‐Life Poly(bisphenol A carbonate)

The conversion of end‐of‐life products to useful chemicals (waste‐to‐chemicals) can afford a resource‐efficient economy. In this context, the depolymerization of end‐of‐life polymers to yield low molecular weight chemicals can be an interesting target. Based on that, the selective depolymerization of end‐of‐life poly(bisphenol A carbonate) via hydrogenation was studied. Applying hydrogen and a ruthenium(II) complex as catalyst (Milstein Catalyst) end‐of‐life poly(bisphenol A carbonate) was hydrogenated to bisphenol A and methanol. The bisphenol A can be reused for the production of fresh polycarbonates; therefore a recycling is possible. On the other hand methanol can be used as hydrogen carrier and can be subjected to the hydrogen economy.