Targeted valorization of waste polycarbonate into bisphenol A dimethyl ether

The chemical recycling of waste polycarbonate (PC) plastic to produce high value-added chemicals represents a sustainable and economical approach to its management. Facile methods that utilize the unique structure of the bisphenol A (BPA) unit are expected to be more low-carbon and cost-effective. However, there are few established routes for converting BPA into valuable derivatives while preserving its structure. In this work, we developed a new pathway for the targeted valorization of PC waste into a multifunctional value-added chemical, bisphenol A dimethyl ether (BPAME). Using ionic liquids as catalysts, low-toxicity and environmentally friendly dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a methyl source, and N -methylpyrrolidone as a co-solvent, we successfully achieved 100 % depolymerization of PC and an impressive 99 % yield of BPAME under mild conditions (150 °C, 6 h). Kinetic studies indicated that the methylation of BPA is the rate-determining step. Moreover, this innovative pathway not only transformed commercial PC waste into BPAME with exceptional selectivity (99 %) and high yield (≥92 %), but also facilitated the efficient methylation of aromatic phenols and amines. This valorization strategy for PC waste disposal offers a promising option for industrial applications.