Biomass conversion has become one of the most impactful research areas for producing value-added chemicals and fuels. Catalytic and synthetic chemistry tools have been extensively applied to enhance product diversity and facilitate chemical transformations. Among these advances, the direct introduction of nitrogen functionality during lignocellulose degradation offers an effective route to synthesize Nitrogen-containing (N-containing) compounds, thereby expanding their structural diversity and application potential.
In a review article published in National Science Reviews, a research group led by Prof. ZHANG Tao, Prof. WANG Aiqin, and Asso. Prof. ZHANG Bo from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in the synthesis of bio-based N-containing compounds from biomass.
N-containing compounds play essential roles in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and functional materials. Using biomass as a renewable feedstock for these compounds not only reduces reliance on fossil resources and mitigates environmental impact but also supports China's "dual carbon" goals and promotes sustainable industrial development.
The structure of lignocellulose and bio-based N-containing compounds production (Image by ZHU Wenqing and ZHANG Bo)
Taking into account the structural characteristics of both substrates and products, the review systematically summarizes recent advances in constructing various value-added N-containing compounds from the major components of lignocellulosic biomass. These include polysaccharides-derived platform compounds, lignin model compounds, lignin, and lignocellulose feedstocks. The review discusses the reaction pathways, synthetic methodologies, and key mechanisms involved in C-O/C-C bond activation and C-N bond formation.
Moreover, the review concludes by identifying key challenges and future opportunities for this rapidly developing field, offering valuable insights for the rational design of catalytic systems and sustainable chemical production from renewable resources.