Electrocatalytic Lignin Oxidation

Electrocatalytic processes in organic chemistry have recently seen a resurgence of interest. When coupled to renewable feedstocks, electrochemical transformations can provide an alternative to conventional synthetic methods. Thus, developing methods for the selective degradation of lignin, the largest known natural source of aromatic rings, to simpler aromatic hydrocarbons is of high importance. This review summarizes and highlights recent achievements and challenges for electrocatalytic lignin oxidation and provides an overview, foundation, and reference for further method development.

Automated summary

Electrocatalytic processes in organic chemistry have garnered renewed interest, particularly as an alternative to conventional synthetic methods when coupled with renewable feedstocks. The development of selective degradation methods for lignin is crucial for synthesizing simpler aromatic hydrocarbons from the largest natural source of aromatic rings.