Renewable and safer bisphenol A substitutes enabled by selective zeolite alkylation

Laura Trullemans, Steven-Friso Koelewijn (), Imke Boonen, Elias Cooreman, Tessy Hendrickx, Gert Preegel, Joost Aelst, Hilda Witters, Marc Elskens, Peter Puyvelde, Michiel Dusselier and Bert F. Sels ()
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Laura Trullemans: KU Leuven
Steven-Friso Koelewijn: KU Leuven
Imke Boonen: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Elias Cooreman: KU Leuven
Tessy Hendrickx: KU Leuven
Gert Preegel: KU Leuven
Joost Aelst: KU Leuven
Hilda Witters: Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO)
Marc Elskens: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Peter Puyvelde: KU Leuven
Michiel Dusselier: KU Leuven
Bert F. Sels: KU Leuven

Nature Sustainability, 2023, vol. 6, issue 12, 1693-1704

Abstract: Abstract 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.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41893-023-01201-w

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