Renewable and safer bisphenol A substitutes enabled by selective zeolite alkylation

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical that has been used for the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins and other consumer products, including food contact materials and dental resins. However, its petrochemical origin and adverse health effects, such as xeno-oestrogenic activit...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature sustainability 2023-12, Vol.6 (12), p.1693-1704
Main Authors: Trullemans, Laura, Koelewijn, Steven-Friso, Boonen, Imke, Cooreman, Elias, Hendrickx, Tessy, Preegel, Gert, Van Aelst, Joost, Witters, Hilda, Elskens, Marc, Van Puyvelde, Peter, Dusselier, Michiel, Sels, Bert F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
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Bisphenol A
Catalysis
Consumer products
Earth and Environmental Science
Environment
Epoxy resins
Health risks
Petrochemicals
Polymers
Sustainable Development
Zeolites
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Summary:Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical that has been used for the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins and other consumer products, including food contact materials and dental resins. However, its petrochemical origin and adverse health effects, such as xeno-oestrogenic activity (EA), pose a challenge for sustainability. Here we show a green synthetic pathway towards genuinely sustainable BPA alternatives from a renewable lignin source. At the heart of this production route is a selective alkylation reaction between bio-based arene (for example, guaiacol) and alkene (for example, isoeugenol) molecules, catalysed by a recyclable zeolite catalyst H-USY. Zeolite catalysis favours regioselectivity and prompts higher reaction rate and chemoselectivity, enabling high yields of bisguaiacols. The synthesized bisguaiacols can be valorized into high-molecular-weight thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers with promising thermophysical properties, showcasing their potential as BPA replacements. This work progresses beyond the state of the art by demonstrating that renewability is not only a goal but also a means for safer chemicals. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an essential building block for manufacturing plastics, but its adverse health effects have become a major concern. Here the authors show a zeolite-catalysed synthetitic route to bio-renewable BPA alternatives that feature excellent safety and preserve efficacy of function.
ISSN:2398-9629
2398-9629
DOI:10.1038/s41893-023-01201-w