Formation of <i>p</i>-Unsubstituted Phenols in Base-catalyzed Lignin Depolymerization

Lignin valorization is one of the biggest challenges for developing biomass-based chemical industry. Recent innovative works has enabled depolymerization lignin to monomers with yield close theoretical maximum. The main product a mixture phenols derived from cleavage β -O-4 linkages between phenylpropanoid units. However, obtained highly functionalized are not common in current industry and, therefore, needs further processing utilization intended applications. present study shows that simple without functional groups at para -position form selectively base-catalyzed lignin. sufficiently high, up 6.9% on carbon basis under examined conditions, but selectivity among released reaches 80%. also discusses mechanism p -unsubstituted formation.