Selective production of indane and its derivatives from lignin over a modified niobium-based catalyst.

Starting from native lignin, the first example of the efficient production of indane and its derivatives was achieved over a CH2Cl2-modified Ru/Nb2O5 catalyst. Intensive characterization reveals that CH2Cl2 weakens the hydrogenolysis ability of Ru particles through the strong interaction between CH2Cl2 and Ru, and promotes the intramolecular cyclization reaction.