Comments on the depolymerization of polycarbonates derived from epoxides and carbon dioxide: A mini review

There are in general few examples where polymers can be effectively recycled to their monomers. If this situation exists, the recycling of these monomers to polymeric materials which possess identical properties and applications of their virgin monomer derived counterparts is possible. In this brief review we have examined the degradation of polycarbonates derived from carbon dioxide and epoxides to provide either their thermodynamically more stable product, the corresponding cyclic five-membered carbonate, or in special instances their return to starting monomers. A mechanistic understanding of these pathways allows for the synthesis of polymers that will favor the latter pathway.