Effect of metal triflates on the microwave-assisted catalytic hydrogenolysis of birch wood lignin to monophenolic compounds

•Efficient delignification and depolymerization of lignin in birch sawdust was reported.•32.9 wt% yield of monophenolic compounds was obtained for Fe(OTf)3.•The microwave heating time was shortened to 1 h by the addition of Fe(OTf)3.•A possible mechanism for the COC bond scission promoted by Fe(OTf)3 was proposed.