Lignin Linkages Cleavage Beginning with C α O–H/ArO–H or C α –OH Bond Heterolysis

In this chapter, strategies for lignin linkages cleavage beginning with C α O–H/ArO–H or C α –OH bonds heterolysis are summarized, primarily focusing on lignin alkaline hydrolysis, acidolysis, and their corresponding tandem processes. Chapter 8.1 focuses on the base-catalyzed cleavage of the C β –OAr bond beginning with C α O–H or ArO–H heterolysis to oxygen anion, which further induces the cleavage of the lignin C β –OAr bond. Chapter 8.2 summarizes the various acid-catalyzed methods for the C β –OAr bond cleavage beginning with C α –OH heterolysis, which further induce the C β –OAr bond cleavage via a C α =C β –OAr intermediate.