Selective Degradation of Lignosulfonate and Lignin with Periodate to 5‐Iodovanillin

Abstract This work represents a new method that uses electrochemically generated periodate to oxidize side‐stream lignins. Using periodate, a lignin‐derived product other than vanillin becomes accessible. The development of an eco‐friendly method for generating 5‐iodovanillin from lignin is reported and is of significant interest for the wood‐based industry. Wider utilization of lignin can substitute fossil‐based chemicals and fuels, reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, and facilitate the dependence on fossil energy. The reaction conditions are easy to conduct, the lignin is modified, and no specific setup is required. This one‐pot cost‐efficient method does not use toxic or harmful metals and yields more than 15 wt% 5‐iodovanillin. 5‐Iodovanillin represents an advanced building block for the synthesis of complex molecules, such as active pharmaceutical ingredients.