A method is provided for carrying out depolymerization of a polymer containing electrophilic linkages in the presence of a catalyst and a nucleophilic reagent, wherein production of undesirable byproducts resulting from polymer degradation is minimized. The reaction can be carried out at a temperature of 80° C. or less, and generally involves the use of an organic, nonmetallic catalyst, thereby ensuring that the depolymerization product(s) are substantially free of metal contaminants. In an exemplary depolymerization method, the catalyst is a carbene compound such as an N-heterocyclic carbene, or is a precursor to a carbene compound. The method provides an important alternative to current recycling techniques such as those used in the degradation of polyesters, polyamides, and the like.
提供了一种在催化剂和亲核试剂存在的条件下进行含有亲电性键合的聚合物的去聚合方法,从而最大限度地减少由聚合物降解产生的不良副产物的生成。该反应可在80°C或更低的温度下进行,并通常涉及使用有机、非
金属催化剂,从而确保去聚合产物基本上不含
金属污染物。在一个示例性的去聚合方法中,催化剂是碳烯化合物,如N-杂环碳烯,或是碳烯化合物的前体。该方法为当前的回收技术提供了一个重要的替代选择,例如用于降解聚酯、聚酰胺等的技术。