Visible-Light-Induced Selective C–C Bond Cleavage Reactions of Dimeric β-O-4 and β-1 Lignin Model Substrates Utilizing Amine-Functionalized Fullerene

Finding a selective and efficient fragmentation process under ambient conditions is pivotal for the generation of fuels and chemical feedstocks from lignoceullosic biomass. In the present study, visible-light and amine-functionalized fullerene-based photocatalyst-promoted photodegradation reactions of dimeric β-O-4 and β-1 lignin model compounds, containing varying numbers of methoxy substituents on the arene ring, were explored to find and develop mild, eco-friendly photochemical techniques for efficient delignification. The results showed that, in contrast to well-known organic photoredox catalysts, amine-functionalized fullerene photocatalyst promoted photochemical reactions of lignin model compounds could lead to more efficient lignin fragmentation reactions through a pathway involving a selective C_α-C_β bond cleavage process, and in addition, C_α-hydroxyl moiety in lignin model compounds played a significant role in the success of the C_α-C_β bond cleavage reaction of lignin model substrates.