Selective depolymerization of poly(succinates) via aminolysis reaction: Access to value-added succinimides and succinamides

Polymeric waste represents a major environmental challenge, motivating the development of efficient chemical recycling and upcycling strategies.¹ Herein, we report the selective depolymerization of poly(succinates) through aminolysis reactions and their subsequent chemical recycling via alcoholysis reactions. Catalyst-controlled aminolysis of poly(succinates) with a range of amines enables divergent access to value-added products.^2,3 The reaction of poly(butylenesuccinate) with amines and a Lewis-acid (ZnCl₂) as catalyst afforded N-substituted succinimides with 100% selectivity and excellent yields (up to 96%). Switching the catalyst to an organic base (DBU), the corresponding succinamides were selectively obtained in high yields (up to 99%). Furthermore, alcoholysis of the resulting succinimides and succinamides generates monomeric intermediates that can be reintroduced into polymerization processes with diols or diamines to produce new polyesters or polyamides. Therefore, this approach combines selective depolymerization with the synthesis of value-added compounds and circular polymer recycling.