LAUSR

Polyurethane (PU) is a thermoset plastic found in everyday objects, such as mattresses and shoes, but also in more sophisticated materials, including windmills and airplanes, and as insolation materials in refrigerators and buildings. Because of extensive intercross linkages in PU, current recycling methods are lacking behind. In this work, we demonstrate the effective catalytic hydrogenation of PU materials, applying a catalyst based on the earth abundant metal, manganese, to amine and polyol fractions, which represent the original monomeric composition. In particular, Mn- Ph MACHO was found to catalytically deconstruct flexible foam, molded foams, insulation and end-of-life materials at 1 wt% catalyst loading applying a reaction temperature of 180 o C, 50 bar of H 2 and 0.9 wt% of KOH in isopropyl alcohol. The protocol was showcased in the catalytic deconstruction of 2 g of mattress foam using only 0.13 wt% catalyst, resulting in a 90% weight recovery and a turnover number of 905.