Mild and efficient approach to aromatic backbone cleavage using copper-lignosulfonate/hydrogen peroxide system

This study investigates the dual role of copper ions in catalysis and complexation during the oxidation of lignosulfonates with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) under alkaline conditions. The presence of copper ions reduces partial oxidation by 86 % compared to H₂O₂ treatment alone, enhancing overall conversion efficiency to 63 % under increased oxidative conditions. Analyses reveal that copper-lignosulfonate complexes facilitate redox cycling and hydroxyl radical generation through interactions with H₂O₂, confirming copper’s dual functions. This mechanism mitigates the hindrance of sulfonic groups on hydroperoxide anions, leading to lignosulfonate degradation into dicarboxylic acids. These findings provide novel insights into the copper-lignosulfonate/H₂O₂ system, expanding the understanding of oxidative degradation mechanisms beyond traditional Fenton-like reactions. Furthermore, this system offers a simplified and efficient alternative for industrial applications, particularly in integration with the sulfite pretreatment process of woody biomass for producing valuable co-products.