The depolymerization of the biopolymer lignin can give pure aromatic monomers but selective catalytic approaches remain scarce. Here, an approach was rerouted to deliver an unusual phenolic monomer. This monomer's instability proved challenging, but a degradation study identified strategies to overcome this. Heterocycles and a useful synthetic intermediate were prepared. The range of aromatics available from the β-O-4 unit in lignin was extended.
Keywords: biomass; depolymerization; heterocycles; lignin; renewable monomers.
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