Unique Base-Initiated Depolymerization of Limonene-Derived Polycarbonates Chunliang Li Rafaël J. Sablong Rolf A. T. M. van Benthem Cor E. Koning 10.1021/acsmacrolett.7b00310.s001 https://acs.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/Unique_Base-Initiated_Depolymerization_of_Limonene-Derived_Polycarbonates/5112985 The depolymerization of poly­(limonene carbonate) (PLC) initiated by 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]­dec-5-ene (TBD) was investigated. The strong organic base TBD was capable of deprotonating the OH-terminated PLC, leading to fast degradation via backbiting reactions at high temperature. An interesting feature of the base-initiated breakdown of PLC lies in the quantitative depolymerization into the corresponding initial limonene oxide monomer. This result implies the complete back-to-monomer recyclability of the fully biobased PLC, which accordingly can be considered as a really sustainable material. Additionally, the stability of PLC when exposed to TBD was enhanced by an end-capping reaction, which further supported the proposed degradation pathway. 2017-06-15 18:18:40 base TBD Unique Base-Initiated Depolymerization backbiting reactions depolymerization OH-terminated PLC base-initiated breakdown Limonene-Derived Polycarbonates back-to-monomer recyclability end-capping reaction biobased PLC degradation pathway limonene oxide monomer