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

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 beta-1 and beta-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 beta-C-H bond. This study offers the potential to obtain aromatic esters from lignin.