Hydrolysis of polycarbonate catalyzed by ionic liquid [Bmim][Ac]

► Ionic liquid [Bmim][Ac] can catalyze hydrolysis of PC under moderate conditions. ► The reaction was carried out in absence of any other acid or base catalyst. ► The ionic liquid can be reused 6 times without obvious decrease in reaction results. ► Environmentally friendly strategy was provided for hydrolysis of PC. ► The reaction was a first-order kinetic one and the activation energy was 228 kJ/mol.