<br/>The single-use nature of plastics has given rise to an environmental crisis that threatens ecosystems on a global scale. To solve this escalating environmental threat, the development of efficient, closed-loop recycling methods for plastics must be prioritized. One method to combat the inefficient recycling methods of polyolefins is through catalytic hydrogenolysis. A promising example using pincer-based PNN ruthenium catalysts demonstrated cleavage of waste polyolefins into simple alkane stock materials; however this process was not selective. In addition, palladium catalysts are also effective in heterogeneous hydrogenolysis of polyolefins. This research is promising but limited primarily to heterogeneous catalysts that cannot be tailored for selectivity as effectively as homogeneous catalysts. We are interested in expanding on homogeneous examples of ruthenium and palladium pincer catalysts that could degrade polyolefins via hydrogenolysis. This includes new catalysts featuring all nitrogen-based pincer ligands. Herein we describe the synthesis, characterization, and coordination chemistry of NNN-pincer ligands containing bulky triisopropyl substituents. In addition, we explore the differences in linker (CH2 and carbonyl) and impacts on reactivity. Initial work describing the preparation of palladium and ruthenium complexes with these new ligands is highlighted. Our future goals include examining the reactivity of these complexes in the hydrogenolysis of long chain alkanes and ultimately polyolefins.

Progress towards the synthesis of bulky triisopropyl substituted NNN pincer ligands and coordination complexes with ruthenium and palladium

ACS Spring 2022

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