Directional synthesis of ethylbenzene through catalytic transformation of lignin

- A new approach for directional production of ethylbenzene from lignin was achieved.
- The process involves lignin depolimerization and alkylation of aromatic monomers.
- Lignin can be directionally converted to benzene over Re-Y/HZSM-5 catalysts.
- EB selectivity of up to 72.3 % was obtained by selective alkylation of monomers.