Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignin Model Compounds

Constituting about 20–35 % by weight of dry wood biomass, lignin accounts for ca. 40 % of the energy in lignocellulosic biomass and is the only renewable feedstock composed of aromatic building block. Therefore, efficient lignin utilization is important in the viability of future biorefineries. Herein we review recent work highlighting selective catalytic depolymerization of intact lignin into phenolic monomers. Furthermore, we explore advances in catalysis allowing for upgrading of lignin-derived aromatic functionalized monomers through hydrodeoxygenation, yielding both intact saturated and unsaturated aromatic products.