Degradation of β-O-4 model lignin species by vanadium Schiff-base catalysts: Influence of catalyst structure and reaction conditions on activity and selectivity

- β-O-4 model lignin dimers were broken down using vanadium(V) catalysts.
- A systematic study of the role of ligand structure on selectivity was undertaken.
- Bulky, alkyl substituents were found to promote CO bond cleavage.
- Higher temperatures were also found to increase CO cleavage selectivity.