Acid promoted C–C bond oxidative cleavage of β-O-4 and β-1 lignin models to esters over a copper catalyst?

Green Chemistry Pub Date: 2016-11-08 DOI: 10.1039/C6GC02970A

Abstract

Depolymerisation of lignin to aromatics is a challenging task. We herein report that a Cu(OAc)2/BF3·OEt2 catalyst is effective in simultaneously cleaving C–C bonds in β-1 and β-O-4 ketones, yielding esters and phenols. In-depth studies show that C–H bond activation is the rate determining step for C–C bond cleavage. BF3·OEt2 promotes the reaction via activating the β-C–H bond. This study offers the potential to obtain aromatic esters from lignin.

Graphical abstract: Acid promoted C–C bond oxidative cleavage of β-O-4 and β-1 lignin models to esters over a copper catalyst
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