Synthesis of Functional Chemicals from Lignin-derived Monomers by Selective Organic Transformations

The valorization of lignin and its model compounds represents a key technology applied for the production of lignin-monomers, which constitute as renewable feedstocks and intermediates for the synthesis of value-added chemicals and fuels as well as molecules related to life science applications. Hence, in addition to lignin-depolymerization, the effective utilization of lignin-derived feedstocks such as phenols, ethers, alcohols, ketones and aldehydes is also gaining significant importance. In this regard, number of methodologies has been developed on the utility of these feedstocks for the production of various functional chemicals. In this review, we summarize the valorization of lignin-derived feedstocks by amination, hydrogenation, dehydrogenation oxidation, carbonylation, and trifluoromethylation, hydrolysis reactions for the synthesis of amines, cyclohexanes, cyclohexanols, cyclohexanones, esters, ketones, cyclic ethers, trifluoromethylated compounds and heterocycles as well as pharmaceuticals and biomolecules.