Unifying Step-Growth Polymerization and On-Demand Cascade Ring-Closure Depolymerization via Polymer Skeletal Editing

The inherent skeletal and thermal features to forge polymers by step-growth polymerization are conflicting with any depolymerization strategies via cascade back-biting reactions that necessitate adequate ceiling temperature, spacers, functionalities create cyclic compounds. Here, we report the edition of poly(carbonate-urea)s poly(carbonate-amide)s depolymerized on demand into their native precursor or added-value offspring oxazolidinones, together a hemiacetal carbonate. unprotected in-chain secondary amide urea trigger degradation ring-closing events upon switch (from 25 80 °C) in presence an organic base as catalyst. Although most studies realized solution for understanding deconstruction process, also fully degraded 2 h neat conditions without catalyst at 150 °C. At °C, is required accelerate process. On road sustainability circularity, validate concept exploiting monomers designed from waste CO2 upcycled commodity plastics. Ultimately, these selectively plastic mixtures composed poly(ethylene terephthalate) polycaprolactone, offering new options recycling while delivering high-value-added chemicals.