Abstract: Polyesters are an invaluable material used today and are considered more recyclable-by-design and biodegradable than polyolefins. Disclosed herein are methods for up-cycling of polyethylene (PE) to aliphatic polyesters via a two-step oxidative approach. The first step converts PE to a polyketone via a mild oxidation with a radical initiator, solvent, O2, and cobalt catalyst. The second step converts the resulting ketone functionality to the ester via a Baeyer-Villiger oxidation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions of matter showing that catalytic autoxidation can be used to generate aromatic monomers from C—C linked dimers and oligomers derived from lignin. This is demonstrated by acetylating phenol-rich RCF oil and then conducting aerobic oxidation of the oligomeric fraction of poplar RCF oil with a Co/Mn/Br catalyst mixture in acetic acid. This reaction yields a collection of oxygenated aromatic monomers that represent a 17% increase in monomer yield compared to the RCF process alone.

Abstract: Described herein is a chemical process for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into muconic acid which is useful for the generation of plastics and polymers. The described methods utilize catalytic chemical reactions and biological processes to facilitate the conversion, while increasing yields and reducing energy requirements.