Synthesis of Functionalized Cyclic Carbonates through Commodity Polymer Upcycling

Functionalized
cyclic carbonates are attractive monomers for the synthesis of innovative
polycarbonates or polyurethanes for various applications. Even though
their synthesis has been intensively investigated, doing so in a sustainable
and efficient manner remains a challenge. Herein, we propose an organocatalytic
procedure based on the depolymerization of a commodity polymer, bisphenol
A based polycarbonate (BPA-PC). Different carbonate-containing heterocycles
are obtained in good to excellent yields employing BPA-PC as a sustainable
and inexpensive source of carbonate, including functionalized six-membered
cyclic carbonates.