Iron-Catalyzed Ring-Closing Depolymerization of Poly(tetrahydrofuran)

Closed encounter: Inexpensive and abundant FeCl3 is demonstrated as an effective pre‐catalyst for the ring‐closing depolymerization of polytetrahydrofuran (polyTHF) to produce tetrahydrofuran (THF) in high purity and good yields. The protocol is of interest for efficient waste management of end‐life polyTHF, and the produced THF is a suitable starting material for new polymeric materials, allowing for an overall efficient recycling process