Toward Value-Added Arenes from Lignin-Derived Phenolic Compounds via Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation

Arenes are an important class of intermediates in the chemical industry that have been widely applied in pharmaceuticals, fuels, synthetic resins, and so on. Given the growing demand for arenes and the unsustainability of petroleum-based production pathways, hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of lignin-derived phenolic compounds presents a promising strategy for translating lignin materials into value-added arenes. Whereas most HDO catalysts perform low selectivity in arenes due to the presence of competing processes that more readily saturate the aromatic rings, in this Perspective, we first focus on the latest advances in the sustainable production of arenes from the HDO of phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the newest achievements of different types of catalysts and their reaction mechanisms involved in the HDO processes are systematically classified and summarized. Lastly, the existing challenges, tentative suggestions for improvement, and future opportunities within this attractive field are given with the aim of providing new research ideas and stimulating inspiration for a wide range of scientists to drive toward a sustainable and carbon-neutral society where biomass resources play a major role in fuels and chemicals.