Conversion of Polystyrene to Terephthalic Acid via Sequential Acetylation and Mn/Br-Catalyzed Autoxidation

Baek, Doohyun; Walsh, Dylan J.; Gerken, James B.; Frank, Madelyn G.; Hermans, Ive; Stahl, Shannon S.

doi:10.1021/acscatal.5c04744

Title: Conversion of Polystyrene to Terephthalic Acid via Sequential Acetylation and Mn/Br-Catalyzed Autoxidation

Journal Article · Wed Sep 10 00:00:00 UTC 2025 · ACS Catalysis

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.5c04744 · OSTI ID:2588468

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University of Wisconsin−Madison, WI (United States)

Most methods for the oxidative deconstruction of polystyrene produce benzoic acid, which has a low market size relative to the production of waste polystyrene. Here, the present study demonstrates a method for conversion of polystyrene into terephthalic acid, a high-volume chemical, by introducing a carbon-containing fragment into the para position of the phenyl groups in polystyrene, followed by Mn/Br-catalyzed autoxidation. Acetylated polystyrene is shown to be the most effective substrate for oxidation, affording an 81% yield of terephthalic acid. Mechanistic studies highlight the effectiveness of bromide as a cocatalyst and offer insight into the underlying reasons the acetyl group undergoes efficient oxidation.

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Research Organization:: University of Wisconsin−Madison, WI (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: National Science Foundation (NSF); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0018409; SC0023281

OSTI ID:: 2588468

Journal Information:: ACS Catalysis, Journal Name: ACS Catalysis Vol. 15; ISSN 2155-5435

Publisher:: American Chemical Society (ACS)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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