Chapter 7: Catalytic Conversion of Lignin-derived Aromatic Compounds into Chemicals

Beyond aromatic-based fuels and BTX, catalytic conversions of lignin-derived species into other chemicals can be accomplished using both targeted homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, in the vein of synthetic organic chemistry. This chapter reviews several illustrative efforts in catalytic lignin upgrading to produce value-added molecules beyond fuels and BTX. In particular it will examine catalytic and synthetic organic methodologies that aim at the downstream, further conversion of isolable monomers derived from lignin, obtainable either by depolymerization or via cleavage of lignin pendant group, into higher value chemicals.