Selective production of 4-ethylphenolics from lignin via mild hydrogenolysis

► Lignin was used for selective production of 4-ethylphenolics via mild hydrogenolysis. ► 3.1% 4-Ethylphenol and 1.3% 4-ethylguaiacol based on lignin were obtained simultaneously. ► This new technique would be a promising method for the substitution of petrochemical route.