Self-hydrogen transfer hydrogenolysis of β-O-4 linkages in lignin catalyzed by MIL-100(Fe) supported Pd–Ni BMNPs

Abstract

A MIL-100(Fe) supported Pd–Ni BMNP catalyst has been fabricated, and the catalyst exhibits superior catalytic performance toward the intramolecular transfer hydrogenolysis of lignin model compounds and organosolv lignin. Alcoholic groups (C_αH-OH) of lignin were exploited as the hydrogen source, and selective cleavage of β-O-4 linkages in lignin was realized without an extra hydrogen donor. This protocol was suitable for organosolv lignin as well as model compounds; several phenols and functionalized acetophenones were detected when extracted lignin was treated in our system. The catalyst exhibits outstanding catalytic stability during the reaction process, which can be ascribed to the porous structure and the strong water stability of MIL-100(Fe). The excellent catalytic performance of Pd₁Ni₄/MIL-100(Fe) highlights the “synergistic effect” between the BMNPs and the functional synergy between MNPs and MOFs, and our work shows the bright future of BMNPs and MOFs in the development of catalysts for sustainable chemistry.