Bioactive Molecules from Lignocellulose‐Derived Platform Chemicals

Abstract

The ever‐increasing prevalence of diseases and inadequate resources on Earth are threats to society. Biomass is an abundant resource, and bioactive compounds produced from biomass are environmentally benign in contrast to conventional chemical synthesis methods, which frequently depend on non‐renewable resources. In addition, the functionalized monomers from biomass allow the atom economical synthesis of bioactive molecules. This review aims to provide insight into the synthesis of bioactive molecules from the lignocellulose‐derived platform chemicals. Existing methodology and catalytic systems are summarized for the synthesis of targeted bioactive molecules from cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin‐derived platform chemicals. The biological activities of bioactive molecules obtained from biomass, such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer properties, are discussed.