Imino‐Pyrrole Zn(II) Complexes for the Rapid and Selective Chemical Recycling of Commodity Polymers

Abstract Three imino‐pyrrole zinc complexes were prepared and applied to the rapid degradation of polylactic acid (PLA) and the depolymerization of bisphenol A polycarbonate (BPA‐PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PLA alcoholysis proceeded rapidly at a range of conditions, including reflux in air. Remarkable activity was demonstrated for the solvent‐free methanolysis of PLA at mild conditions with full conversion reached in 11 min at 80 °C. Various conditions were investigated including a range of PLA sources and, importantly, catalyst recycling was demonstrated. The methanolysis of BPA‐PC and the glycolysis of PET were achieved, the latter giving full conversion after 1.5 h for all catalysts. The chemical recycling of mixed plastic feedstocks was investigated, including the selective and sequential degradation of a PLA/BPA‐PC mixture with a single catalyst and solvent.