Catalytic Conversion of Lignin into Valuable Chemicals: Full Utilization of Aromatic Nuclei and Side Chains

作者：Bin Zhang, Qinglei Meng, Huizhen Liu, Buxing Han · 发表于：Accounts of Chemical Research · 年份：2023 · DOI：10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00514 · 被引用次数：89 · 研究领域：Lignin and Wood Chemistry、Catalysis for Biomass Conversion、Biofuel production and bioconversion

Conspectus In recent years, significant efforts have been directed toward achieving efficient and mild lignocellulosic biomass conversion into valuable chemicals and fuels, aiming to address energy and environmental concerns and realize the goal of carbon neutrality. Lignin is one of the three primary building blocks of lignocellulose and the only aromatic renewable feedstock. However, the complex and diverse nature of lignin feedstocks, characterized by their three-dimensional, highly branched polymeric structure and intricate C–O/C–C chemical bonds, results in substantial challenges. To tackle these challenges, we carried out extensive research on selectively activating and transforming chemical bonds in lignin for chemical synthesis. In this Account, we discuss our recent progress in catalytic lignin conversion. Our work is focused on two main objectives: (i) achieving precise and selective transformation of C–O/C–C bonds in lignin (and its model compounds) and (ii) fully utilizing the aromatic nuclei and side chains present in lignin to produce valuable chemicals. Lignin consists of interconnected phenylpropanoid subunits linked by interlaced C–C/C–O bonds. To unlock the full potential of lignin, we propose the concept of “the full utilization of lignin”, which encompasses both the aromatic nuclei and the side chains (e.g., methoxyl and polyhydroxypropyl groups). For the conversion of aromatic nuclei, selective activation of C–O and/or C–C bonds is crucial in synthesizing...