Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignin Model Compounds

Abstract

Constituting about 20–35 % by weight of dry wood biomass, lignin accounts for ca. 40 % of the energy in lignocellulosic biomass and is the only renew- able feedstock composed of aromatic building block. Therefore, effi cient lignin uti- lization is important in the viability of future biorefi neries. Herein we review recent work highlighting selective catalytic depolymerization of intact lignin into phenolic monomers. Furthermore, we explore advances in catalysis allowing for upgrading of lignin-derived aromatic functionalized monomers through hydrodeoxygenation, yielding both intact saturated and unsaturated aromatic products