Visible-Light-Induced Selective C-C Bond Cleavage Reactions of Dimeric beta-O-4 and beta-1 Lignin Model Substrates Utilizing AmineFunctionalized Fullerene

Finding a selective and efficient fragmentation process under ambient conditions is pivotal for the generation of fuels and chemical feedstocks from lignoceullosic biomass. In the present study, visible-light and amine-functionalized fullerene-based photocatalyst-promoted photodegradation reactions of dimeric beta-O-4 and beta-1 lignin model compounds, containing varying numbers of methoxy substituents on the arene ring, were explored to find and develop mild, eco-friendly photochemical techniques for efficient delignification. The results showed that, in contrast to well-known organic photoredox catalysts, amine-functionalized fullerene photocatalyst promoted photochemical reactions of lignin model compounds could lead to more efficient lignin fragmentation reactions through a pathway involving a selective C-alpha-C-beta bond cleavage process, and in addition, C-alpha-hydroxyl moiety in lignin model compounds played a significant role in the success of the C-alpha-C-beta bond cleavage reaction of lignin model substrates.

Automated summary

This study investigated a novel photocatalyst for promoting photodegradation reactions of lignin model compounds, achieving efficient lignin fragmentation through selective cleavage of the C-alpha-C-beta bond. The key to success lies in the presence of the C-alpha-hydroxyl moiety in lignin model compounds.