Phenol-assisted depolymerisation of condensed lignins to mono-/poly-phenols and bisphenols

•Condensed lignin could be selectively depolymerized in phenol.•Pre-hydrodeoxygenation of condensed lignin prior to phenol-assisted depolymerization could reduce lignin recondensation.•Phenol could scavenge methylene linkages in condense lignin.•Lignin monomers (or monophenols) yields up to 40% and bisphenols yields up to 42% could be achieved.•Residual polyphenols could be used to synthesize lignin-formaldehyde adhesives for plywood applications.