A method is provided for carrying out depolymerization of a polymer containing
electrophilic linkages in the presence of a catalyst and a nucleophilic reagent,
wherein production of undesirable byproducts resulting from polymer degradation
is minimized. The reaction can be carried out at a temperature of 80 C. or
less, and generally involves the use of an organic, nonmetallic catalyst, thereby
ensuring that the depolymerization product(s) are substantially free of metal contaminants.
In an exemplary depolymerization method, the catalyst is a carbene compound such
as an N-heterocyclic carbene, or is a precursor to a carbene compound. The method
provides an important alternative to current recycling techniques such as those
used in the degradation of polyesters, polyamides, and the like.
