LAUSR

A new aliphatic hybridguanidine N,O-donor ligand (TMGeech) and its zinc chloride complex ([ZnCl2(TMGeech)]) are presented. This complex displays a high catalytic activity for the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide in toluene, exceeding the toxic industry standard tin octanoate by a factor of 10. The high catalytic activity of [ZnCl2(TMGeech)] was further demonstrated using industrially preferred melt conditions, reaching high lactide conversions within seconds. To bridge the gap towards a sustainable circular (bio)economy, the catalytic activity of [ZnCl2(TMGeech)] for the chemical recycling of polylactide (PLA) via alcoholysis in THF was investigated. Fast production of different value-added lactates at mild temperatures was demonstrated. Selective PLA degradation from mixtures with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and a polymer blend, catalyst recycling as well as a detailed kinetic analysis are presented. For the first time, chemical recycling of post-consumer PET producing different value-added materials was demonstrated using a guanidine-based zinc catalyst. Therefore, [ZnCl2(TMGeech)] is a promising, highly active multitool not only to implement a circular (bio)plastics economy, but also to tackle todays ongoing plastics pollution.