Lignin is transformed to valuable fine chemical by catalytic pyrolysis.
High catechol selectivity is obtained by using a small amount of Al-MCM-41.
Al-MCM-41 is a good catalyst for lignin pyrolysis at a low temperature (300 °C).
Post-synthesis incorporation of Al is a good method for MCM-41 acidification.
The catechol production pathway from lignin acidic cracking is proposed.