Visible-Light-Driven Chlorine-Atom-Mediated Efficient and Selective Cleavage of C–C Bond in Lignin Models
Pengju Li, Rong Liu, Zijian Zhao, Weijian Yang, Fushuang Niu, Limei Tian, Ke Hu
Abstract
Lignin valorization to aromatic fine chemicals requires selective cleavage of a high-energy C–C bond under mild conditions. Herein, we report the efficient and selective C–C bond cleavage of lignin model substrates through a chlorine (Cl) atom as the hydrogen atom transfer agent generated by visible-light excitation of the metal-free photocatalyst perylene diimide. With the assistance of the Cl atom, the overall yield of C–C bond cleavage products in model substrate β–O–4 linkages reached 82.5% under visible-light excitation. This work makes use of metal-free photocatalysts and ubiquitous chloride as an alternative sustainable method for lignin depolymerization.
Topics & Concepts
PhotochemistryBond cleavageLigninChemistryPeryleneDepolymerizationMetalOrganic chemistryCatalysisMoleculeLignin and Wood ChemistryEnzyme-mediated dye degradationBiochemical and biochemical processes