A Photochemical Strategy for Lignin Degradation at Room Temperature

The development of a room-temperature lignin degradation strategy consisting of a chemoselective benzylic oxidation with a recyclable oxidant ([4-AcNH-TEMPO]­BF₄) and a catalytic reductive C–O bond cleavage utilizing the photocatalyst [Ir­(ppy)₂(dtbbpy)]­PF₆ is described. This system was tested on relevant lignin model substrates containing β-O-4 linkages to generate fragmentation products in good to excellent yields.