Novel succinimide-based ionic liquids as efficient and sustainable media for methanolysis of polycarbonate to recover bisphenol A (BPA) under mild conditions

Publication date: Available online 9 October 2019Source: Polymer Degradation and StabilityAuthor(s): Fusheng Liu, Jiao Guo, Penghui Zhao, Mingkai Jia, Mengshuai Liu, Jun GaoAbstractIn this paper, several succinimide-based ionic liquids (SIILs) were developed and structurally characterized. They were used as multifunctional and sustainable media for selective conversion of polycarbonate (PC) into bisphenol A (BPA) via methanolysis method. The catalytic behaviors of SIILs to the reaction, including the effects of SIIL structures, effects of reaction parameters, catalyst reusability, and interaction between SIIL and CH3OH were studied in detail. The [HDBU][Suc] comprising a 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene cation and a succinimide anion exhibited superior performance compared to previous catalysts, and it afforded a complete depolymerization of PC with 96% BPA yield under mild conditions of 70 °C for 2 h in the absence of organic solvents and metal ions. The [HDBU][Suc] was easy to recycle and showed satisfactory reusability. Finally, a plausible mechanism for [HDBU][Suc]-catalyzed methanolysis of PC was presented in depth.Graphical abstractMultifunctional succinimide-based IL shows excellent activity as a dual solvent-catalyst for methanolysis of polycarbonate to recover bisphenol A under mild and green conditions.

Source: Polymer Degradation and Stability - October 10, 2019 Category: Chemistry Source Type: research