TBAT as “Multitool” catalyst for polysiloxane synthesis, modifica-tion and recycling

As a convenient, stable and non-toxic substance, tetrabutylammonium difluorotriphenylsilicate (TBAT) can be used as an organocatalyst in all stages of polymer lifetime - synthesis, modification and recycling. The fluorine-containing initiator showed high activity in the polymerization of siloxanes comparing to classic organocatalytic systems. Using kinetic controlled ROP, a high molecular weight PDMS (Mn up to 820 kg/mol) was prepared at room temperature using ppm-level catalyst loadings (TON up to 53000, TOF up to 139200 h-1). The possibility of initiation of lactone polymerization by generated siloxanolates was shown. Variation of reaction conditions enables the depolymerization of synthesized, commercial and postconsumer PDMS.