Metal-free and mild photo-thermal synergism in ionic liquids for lignin Cα–Cβ bond cleavage to provide aldehydes

Direct cleavage of the C–C bond in lignin linkages is a promising route to afford value-added aromatics, which, however, usually involves metal-based catalysts and harsh conditions. Here, a photo-thermal strategy is reported to deconstruct the Cα–Cβ bond in lignin β-O-4 and β-1 interlinkages in the ionic liquid [BMim][NTf2]. It was found that the synergism of UV light and heating could trigger the Norrish type I reaction by inducing the cleavage of the Cα–Cβ bond and afford aromatic aldehydes through a free radical route in modest yields. Meanwhile, [BMim][NTf2] could interact with lignin moieties and stabilize the intermediates, which significantly contribute to the Cα–OH protonation and accelerate lignin interunit linkage breakage. In this unique route, the Cα–Cβ bond could be cleaved at 50 °C under UV light irradiation without the presence of a metal. Further comparison with photochemical or thermochemical alone strategies demonstrates that the photo-thermal route offers a significant improvement in the Cα–Cβ bond cleavage reactivity. Alkali lignin could also be degraded into aromatic monomers in [BMim][NTf2] using the protocol. Given the necessity of biomass upgradation, this work may provide a green and unique technology to boost the inert C–C bond cleavage upon photo-thermal synergism under metal-free and mild conditions that may underpin future advances in photo-thermal transformation and renewable energy production.