Fragmentation of structural units of lignin promoted by persulfate through selective C–C cleavage under mild conditions

Abstract

A concise and environmentally benign protocol for lignin model fragmentation was developed by using cheap and commercially available sodium persulfate as an oxidant. The predominant lignin β-O-4 or β-1 model was fragmented into high-value aromatic aldehydes. The other lignin models, such as α-O-4, 4-O-5, and 5–5′, showed good reactivity in this system.