Catalytic C–O bond cleavage in a β-O-4 lignin model through intermolecular hydrogen transfer

A base-free and redox neutral approach for the selective breaking of aryl ether bond (C–O) contained by a lignin model compound mimicking a β-O-4 linkage is reported. A palladium loaded metal-organic framework (MOF) was used as a catalyst for this purpose. The reaction proceeds through dehydrogenation of benzylic alcohol moiety followed by the hydrogenolysis of the ether bonds. Therefore, no external hydrogen source is required for the reaction to take place.