One‐Pot Conversion of Lignin into Naphthenes Catalyzed by a Heterogeneous Rhenium Oxide‐Modified Iridium Compound

Abstract The direct transformation of lignin into fuels and chemicals remains a huge challenge because of the recalcitrant and complicated structure of lignin. In this study, rhenium oxide‐modified iridium supported on SiO 2 (Ir‐ReO x /SiO 2 ) is employed for the one‐pot conversion of various lignin model compounds and lignin feedstocks into naphthenes. Up to 100 % yield of cyclohexane from model compounds and 44.3 % yield of naphthenes from lignin feedstocks are achieved. 2 D HSQC NMR spectroscopy before and after the reaction confirms the activity of Ir‐ReO x /SiO 2 in the cleavage of the C−O bonds and hydrodeoxygenation of the depolymerized products. H 2 temperature‐programmed reduction, temperature‐programmed desorption of NH 3 , IR spectroscopy of pyridine adsorption, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis, and control experiments reveal that a synergistic effect between Ir and ReO x in Ir‐ReO x /SiO 2 plays a crucial role in the high performance; ReO x is mainly responsible for the cleavage of C−O bonds, whereas Ir is responsible for hydrodeoxygenation and saturation of the benzene rings. This methodology opens up an energy‐efficient route for the direct conversion of lignin into valuable naphthenes.