Improve value for lignin-first strategy: Producing functional molecules from wood biomass

In the October issue of Chem, Ma et al. present a one-pot catalytic process to directly convert the lignin component in wood biomass to valuable phenolic amines while leaving cellulose and hemicellulose intact. These N-functional molecules can be further modified into pharmaceutical building blocks. This approach expands the product portfolio of biorefinery and significantly elevates the overall value of the lignin-first strategy.