Lignin Compounds to Monoaromatics: Selective Cleavage of C−O Bonds over a Brominated Ruthenium Catalyst

The cleavage of C−O linkages in aryl ethers biomass-derived lignin compounds without hydrogenation the aromatic rings is a major challenge for production sustainable mono-aromatics. Conventional strategies over heterogeneous metal catalysts require addition homogeneous base additives causing environmental problems. Herein, we propose Ru/C catalyst modified by Br atoms selective direct bonds diphenyl ether reaching yield benzene and phenol as high 90.3 % increased selectivity to mono-aromatics (97.3 vs. 46.2 initial Ru) during depolymerization lignin. Characterization indicates poisoning terrace sites Ru nanoparticles, which are active rings, while defect on edges corners remain available provide higher intrinsic activity bond cleavage.