Tin(ii) 2-ethylhexanoate catalysed methanolysis of end-of-life poly(lactide)

Abstract

In recent times, plastics derived from renewable resources have received significant consideration as alternatives to plastics based on fossil resources. Nevertheless, some challenging issues, for instance the embedding of these plastics in a future circular economy, are currently under investigation. In this regard, recycling by applying chemical methodologies to reconvert the monomers would be a useful process. The selective depolymerisation/degradation of end-of-life poly(lactide) (EoL-PLA) plastics via methanolysis was explored in the presence of the industrially relevant catalyst tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate (Sn(Oct)₂). EoL-PLAs used in daily life were successfully degraded to methyl lactate utilising microwave heating. Outstanding turnover frequencies of up to 39 600 h⁻¹ were observed.