Iron-induced demethoxylation of lignin as an important source for methanol and its oxidation products in the environment.

ABSTRACT: Lignin, the largest reservoir of aromatic carbon in plants and soils, undergoes well-characterized biological demethylation by fungi and bacteria, and is industrially processed under harsh conditions to generate bio-based aromatics. However, the abiotic fate of lignin-derived methoxy groups under environmentally relevant conditions remains unresolved. Here, we report an iron-mediated demethoxylation mechanism involving direct aromatic C-O bond cleavage under ambient conditions. Using Fe^II/Fe^III species and H₂O₂, we demonstrate the efficient release of entire methoxy groups from lignin monomers and methoxyphenols, forming methanol and subsequently formaldehyde. Isotopic labeling unequivocally shows that the complete -OCH₃ group is liber

SUBMITTER: Hadeler J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC13473683 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature