Flavin-Catalyzed Electrochemical Production of Adipic Acid from Lignin-Derived-Methoxycyclohexanone with Air and Water

Abstract

Here, we present an efficient electrochemical synthesis of adipic acid (AA) from 2-methoxycyclohexanone (MCH), which is derived from lignin, a major component of woody biomass. The tandem Bayer–Villiger reaction and oxygenation of MCH are promoted to produce AA using a metal-free flavin catalyst under mild, low-voltage electrolytic conditions. By the biomimetic flavin catalysis, the entire process is conducted using ambient air (1 atm) and water, which are readily available and sustainable resources. It offers a renewable alternative to petroleum-based AA synthesis, advancing green electrochemical biomass conversion methods.