Cu-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative C─C Cleavage in Lignin-Derived Oligomers and Biological Funneling of the Monomeric Products.

ABSTRACT: Existing methods for lignin deconstruction to aromatic monomers primarily cleave carbon-oxygen bonds within the polymer, resulting in sub-optimal monomer yields and formation of oligomers that retain intact carbon-carbon bonds. Here, we demonstrate that copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidation under aqueous alkaline conditions promotes oxidative cleavage of carbon-carbon bonds in lignin oligomers derived from reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) of pine and poplar biomass. Fundamental insights are gained from reactions of model compounds that resemble subunits present in RCF oligomers. Optimal results are achieved in a flow reactor that provides precise control over O₂ delivery, temperature, and reaction residence time. The Cu-catalyzed aerobic oxidation conditions access aromatic

SUBMITTER: Omolabake S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12790356 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature