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Lignin Compounds to Monoaromatics: Selective Cleavage of C−O Bonds over a Brominated Ruthenium Catalyst
Author(s) -
Wu Dan,
Wang Qiyan,
Safonova Olga V.,
Peron Deizi V.,
Zhou Wenjuan,
Yan Zhen,
Marinova Maya,
Khodakov Andrei Y.,
Ordomsky Vitaly V.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.202101325
Subject(s) - chemistry , catalysis , ruthenium , bond cleavage , depolymerization , lignin , ether , aryl , benzene , selectivity , heterogeneous catalysis , aromaticity , diphenyl ether , organic chemistry , photochemistry , molecule , alkyl
The cleavage of C−O linkages in aryl ethers in biomass‐derived lignin compounds without hydrogenation of the aromatic rings is a major challenge for the production of sustainable mono‐aromatics. Conventional strategies over the heterogeneous metal catalysts require the addition of homogeneous base additives causing environmental problems. Herein, we propose a heterogeneous Ru/C catalyst modified by Br atoms for the selective direct cleavage of C−O bonds in diphenyl ether without hydrogenation of aromatic rings reaching the yield of benzene and phenol as high as 90.3 % and increased selectivity to mono‐aromatics (97.3 vs. 46.2 % for initial Ru) during depolymerization of lignin. Characterization of the catalyst indicates selective poisoning by Br of terrace sites over Ru nanoparticles, which are active in the hydrogenation of aromatic rings, while the defect sites on the edges and corners remain available and provide higher intrinsic activity in the C−O bond cleavage.