Hydrogenolysis reactions of so-called lignin model dimers using a Ru-xantphos catalyst are presented (xantphos= 4, 5-bis (diphenylphosphino)-9, 9-dimethylxanthene). For example, of some nine models studied, the alcohol, 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1-phenylethanol (1), with 5 mol% Ru (H) 2 (CO)(PPh3)(xantphos)(18) in toluene-d8 at 135° C for 20 h under N2, gives in∼ 95% yield the C–O cleavage hydrogenolysis products, acetophenone (14) and ...
