a method is provided for carrying out depolymerization of a polymer containing electrophilic linkages in the presence of a catalyst and a nucleophilic reagent , wherein production of undesirable byproducts resulting from polymer degradation is minimized . the reaction can be carried out at a temperature of 80 ° c . or less , and generally involves the use of an organic , nonmetallic catalyst , thereby ensuring that the depolymerization product are substantially free of metal contaminants . in an exemplary depolymerization method , the catalyst is a carbene compound such as an n - heterocyclic carbene , or is a precursor to a carbene compound . the method provides an important alternative to current recycling techniques such as those used in the degradation of polyesters , polyamides , and the like .