Electrochemical Chlorine Shuttle from PVC Waste to Vinyl Ether Acceptors for the Synthesis of Biodegradable Polyester Precursors.

ABSTRACT: Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) remains one of the most widely produced polymers globally but poses significant environmental and energetic challenges due to its high chlorine content, low recyclability, and the energy-intensive nature of both production and disposal. Here, a sustainable electrochemical approach is reported for the dechlorination of PVC and simultaneous synthetic generation of cyclic acetals, precursors for biodegradable polyesters, employing a Cl₂-shuttle reaction onto vinyl ethers. By systematic electrochemical screening and a Design of Experiments (DoE) optimization strategy, high yields of cyclic acetal formation and elevated dechlorination rates of up to 94% for PVC are achieved. The resulting polymer retains its structural integrity and exhibits internal plasti

SUBMITTER: Becker S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12848649 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature