Lignin-derived phenolic acids can be upgraded to styrene derivatives through chemoenzymatic processes, however, the scale-up of such processes remains challenging. Here, the authors find that controlling the water activity during the decarboxylation of bio-based phenolic acids, including through the integration of a water reservoir, enables high conversions and efficient reaction times, that can be combined with a versatile acyl donor substrate scope.
- Philipp Petermeier
- Jan Philipp Bittner
- Selin Kara
