Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Gold-Catalyzed Conversion Of Lignin To Low Molecular Weight Aromatics, Yang Song, Justin K. Mobley, Ali Hussain Motagamwala, Mark Isaacs, James E. Dumesic, John Ralph, Adam F. Lee, Karen Wilson, Mark Crocker

Chemistry Faculty Publications

A heterogeneous catalyst system, employing Au nanoparticles (NPs) and Li–Al (1 : 2) layered double hydroxide (LDH) as support, showed excellent activity in aerobic oxidation of the benzylic alcohol group in β-O-4 linked lignin model dimers to the corresponding carbonyl products using molecular oxygen under atmospheric pressure. The synergistic effect between Au NPs and the basic Li–Al LDH support induces further reaction of the oxidized model compounds, facilitating facile cleavage of the β-O-4 linkage. Extension to oxidation of γ-valerolactone (GVL) extracted lignin and kraft lignin using Au/Li–Al LDH under similar conditions produced a range of aromatic monomers in high yield. …