Selective production of indane and its derivatives from lignin over a modified niobium-based catalyst

Starting from native lignin, the first example of the efficient production of indane and its derivatives was achieved over a CH₂Cl₂-modified Ru/Nb₂O₅ catalyst. Intensive characterization reveals that CH₂Cl₂ weakens the hydrogenolysis ability of Ru particles through the strong interaction between CH₂Cl₂ and Ru, and promotes the intramolecular cyclization reaction.