Lignin‐First Monomers to Catechol: Rational Cleavage of C−O and C−C Bonds over Zeolites

• DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202102248
• Publication Date: 2021-12-20T12:29:34Z
• Authors: Xian Wu; Yuhe Liao; Jeroen Bomon; Guilong Tian; Shao‐Tao Bai; Korneel Van Aelst; Qiang Zhang; Walter Vermandel; Ben Wambacq; Bert U. W. Maes; Jihong Yu; Bert F. Sels
• Keywords: Catechol; Cleavage (geology); Bond cleavage

Abstract A catalytic route is developed to synthesize bio‐renewable catechol from softwood‐derived lignin‐first monomers. This process concept consists of two steps: 1) O ‐demethylation 4‐ n ‐propylguaiacol (4‐PG) over acidic beta zeolites in hot pressurized liquid water delivering ‐propylcatechol (4‐PC); 2) gas‐phase C ‐dealkylation 4‐PC providing and propylene ZSM‐5 the presence water. With large pore sized beta‐19 zeolite as catalyst, formed with more than 93 % selectivity at nearly full conversion 4‐PG. The acid‐catalyzed medium size gives a yield 75 %. Overall, around 70 obtained pure 4‐PG, or 56 when starting crude 4‐PG monomers softwood by RCF biorefinery. selective cleavage functional groups biobased platform molecules through green sustainable highlights potential shift feedstock fossil oil biomass, drop ins for chemicals industry.