Photocatalytic Upcycling of Polyethylene Terephthalate via Formate-Mediated Non-Hydrogen Deoxygenative Reduction
Abstract
Herein, we report an unprecedented photocatalytic protocol for the selective deoxygenative reduction of benzoate esters and derivatives, using formate as a reductant. Leveraging this novel and efficient approach, PET upcycling is achieved successfully, delivering alkyl p -methylbenzoate under mild, hydrogen-free conditions. Mechanistic studies reveal that the transformation is enabled by the synergy of consecutive single-electron transfer (SET) and a remote spin-center shift (SCS). Gram-scale synthesis is readily demonstrated using a continuous-flow reactor, underscoring its practical potential.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Radical Photochemical Reactions
Cyclopropane Reaction Mechanisms
Metalloenzymes and iron-sulfur proteins
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of the American Chemical Society
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 148
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 3918–3926
- Publication date
- 23 January 2026
- Language
- EN