Selective Upcycling of Polyolefins into High-Value Nitrogenated Chemicals

Binzhi Zhao, Zhibin Hu, Yichen Sun, Rehemuhali Hajiayi, Teng Wang, Ning Jiao*

J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2024, jacs.4c07965. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.4c07965

Abstract

The selective upcycling of polyolefins to create products of increased value has emerged as an innovative approach to carbon resource stewardship, drawing significant scientific and industrial interest. Although recent advancements in recycling technology have facilitated the direct conversion of polyolefins to hydrocarbons or oxygenated compounds, the synthesis of nitrogenated compounds from such waste polyolefins has not yet been disclosed. Herein, we demonstrate a novel approach for the upcycling of waste polyolefins by efficiently transforming a range of postconsumer plastic products into nitriles and amides. This process leverages the catalytic properties of manganese dioxide in combination with an inexpensive nitrogen source, urea, to make it both practical and economically viable. Our approach not only opens new avenues for the creation of nitrogenated chemicals from polyolefin waste but also underscores the critical importance of recycling and valorizing carbon resources originally derived from fossil fuels. This study provides a new upcycling strategy for the sustainable conversion of waste polyolefins.