Issue 20, 2022

Homoleptic phenoxy-imine pyridine zinc complexes: efficient catalysts for solvent free synthesis and chemical degradation of polyesters

Abstract

The synthesis and structural characterization of six homoleptic zinc complexes supported by monoanionic phenoxy-imine pyridine ligands bearing different substituents on the phenoxy moiety are described. All complexes have been tested as catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide under mild or industrially relevant conditions using technical grade L-lactide and excess alcohol. Interestingly, the Zn(II) catalysts were stable under severe conditions, showing activities comparable to those of industrial catalysts. The same complexes were also revealed to be active in the depolymerization by alcoholysis of polylactide and poly(ethylene terephthalate). For both processes, a structure–reactivity relationship has been found, depending on the substituents introduced on the ligand backbone. Tests for the catalyst recycling in solvent-free alcoholysis were performed, offering new opportunities for the implementation of a circular (bio)plastics economy through procedures of low environmental impact.

Graphical abstract: Homoleptic phenoxy-imine pyridine zinc complexes: efficient catalysts for solvent free synthesis and chemical degradation of polyesters

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
18 jun 2022
Accepted
26 aug 2022
First published
29 aug 2022
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

Catal. Sci. Technol., 2022,12, 6142-6154

Homoleptic phenoxy-imine pyridine zinc complexes: efficient catalysts for solvent free synthesis and chemical degradation of polyesters

S. D'Aniello, S. Laviéville, F. Santulli, M. Simon, M. Sellitto, C. Tedesco, C. M. Thomas and M. Mazzeo, Catal. Sci. Technol., 2022, 12, 6142 DOI: 10.1039/D2CY01092E

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