<br/>Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is the third most produced plastic in the world (12%), yet less than one percent is recycled. PVC plastic cannot be collected and processed in mixed recycling streams due to its thermal instability at higher temperatures. The byproducts of its thermal degradation include hydrochloric acid, which even in small amounts cause reactor corrosion. When disposed of in landfills, PVC degrades with similar pathways to release byproducts and toxic additives into the surrounding environment. Due to this it is described as, the “poison plastic”. By strategically removing the chloride, PVC waste can be transformed from toxic pollution to value added products. Rhodium pincer complexes have been identified to catalyze the dechlorination of PVC at temperatures as low as 60 °C. At full conversion, this leads to polyethylene, which can be used in standard recycling practices. Methods to optimize catalytic performance, including steric crowding of the ligand, solvents, temperature, and the hydrogen source/chloride acceptor will be discussed. Conditions to promote dehydrochlorination to form poly(acetylene)-like products have also been identified, which provide functional groups that can allow for a wider range of chemical products.

Catalytic dechlorination of poly(vinyl chloride) under mild conditions

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.