This review provides an overview of the recent advancements in the catalytic depolymerization of lignin, a major component of lignocellulose, into defined aromatic monomers. Lignin is a significant source of aromatic building blocks and has potential applications in the production of biobased products. The review highlights various catalytic strategies, including oxidative and reductive depolymerization, acid-catalyzed depolymerization, and one-pot catalytic processes. It also discusses the functionalization and defunctionalization of lignin-derived compounds, their conversion into biobased polymers, and their potential use in pharmaceuticals. The authors emphasize the importance of maintaining the native structure of lignin during fractionation to ensure high yields and selectivity in the production of valuable products. The review concludes by discussing the future potential of lignin-derived platform chemicals and the challenges and opportunities in the field.This review provides an overview of the recent advancements in the catalytic depolymerization of lignin, a major component of lignocellulose, into defined aromatic monomers. Lignin is a significant source of aromatic building blocks and has potential applications in the production of biobased products. The review highlights various catalytic strategies, including oxidative and reductive depolymerization, acid-catalyzed depolymerization, and one-pot catalytic processes. It also discusses the functionalization and defunctionalization of lignin-derived compounds, their conversion into biobased polymers, and their potential use in pharmaceuticals. The authors emphasize the importance of maintaining the native structure of lignin during fractionation to ensure high yields and selectivity in the production of valuable products. The review concludes by discussing the future potential of lignin-derived platform chemicals and the challenges and opportunities in the field.