Depolymerization of polyesters using cheap metal catalysts

The aim of the thesis work was the synthesis and the application of nickel and manganese N-heterocyclic carbene complexes as catalysts for the depolymerization of polyesters through hydrosilylation reactions. Plastics are an integral part of the global economy since they are used in almost all the economic sectors. Therefore, it is important to develop new methods to speed up this decomposition process and, in particular, chemical recycle. The strategy to be developed in this thesis is the selective depolymerization of polymers, by breaking down the polymeric structures into valuable monomers or building blocks that could be then reused, improving the approach of the circular economy. In this project, it is proposed the preparation of robust organometallic complexes containing N-heterocyclic carbene ligands (NHCs) based on Earth abundant metals, that were proved to be efficient catalysts for the reduction of simple molecules containing carbonyl groups. Thus, their use for the reduction of more complex structures, like polyesters, developing new catalytic protocols is evaluated.