Enhancing selectivity of β-O-4 bond cleavage for lignin depolymerization via a sacrificial anode.

Herein, we report a novel electrochemical hydrogenolysis method for β-O-4 bond cleavage by using carbon foam as the cathode and waste aluminum as the anode. The reaction takes place at the cathode, producing ketones and phenolic compounds. Employing waste aluminum as the anode could avoid anodic excessive oxidation of phenols.