Selective depolymerization
of lignin remains a significant challenge
in biomass conversion. The biosynthesis of lignin involves the polymerization
of monolignol building blocks through oxidative radical coupling reactions.
A strategy for lignin degradation leverages photoredox deoxygenative
radical formation to trigger reverse biosynthesis, which cleaves model
compounds of the β-O-4 and β-5-β-O-4 linkages to
produce monolignols, precursors to flavoring compounds. This mild
method preserves important oxygen functionality and serves as a platform
for achieving selective lignin depolymerization.