Reaction efficiency of derivatization followed by reductive cleavage (DFRC) for oligomeric and polymeric lignin models linked by only β-O-4’ bonds

This study aimed to clarify the efficiency of the derivatization followed by reductive cleavage (DFRC) reaction for lignin model compounds linked by only β-O-4’ bonds. Erythro and threo types dimers were first synthesized to elucidate the effect of stereochemical configurations on reaction efficiency. Both dimers were decomposed stoichiometrically, regardless of their configuration. The lignin model polymers with different molar masses were also synthesized to verify the decomposition efficiency in relation to macromolecular lignin. The DFRC yield decreased with an increasing degree of polymerization (DP), notably dropping below 30% for polymers with DPs exceeding 20.