Hydrogenative Depolymerization of End‐of‐Life Poly‐(Bisphenol A Carbonate) Catalyzed by a Ruthenium‐MACHO‐Complex

The valorization of waste to valuable chemicals can contribute to a more resource‐efficient and circular chemistry. In this regard, the selective degradation of end‐of‐life polymers/plastics to produce useful chemical building blocks can be a promising target. We have investigated the hydrogenative depolymerization of end‐of‐life poly(bisphenol A carbonate). Applying catalytic amounts of the commercial available Ruthenium‐MACHO‐BH complex the end‐of‐life polycarbonate was converted to bisphenol A and methanol. Importantly, bisphenol A can be reprocessed for the manufacture of new poly‐(bisphenol A carbonate) and methanol can be utilized as energy storage material.