A base-catalysed transformation and cleavage of lignin β-O-4 model compounds in dimethyl carbonate is reported. The reaction system consists of readily available bases and inexpensive dimethyl carbonate as a solvent and reagent, affording methoxy benzene or 2-aryloxyvinyl benzene derivatives in good to very good yields. The applicability of the system for the bond cleavage in an organosolv lignin sample was demonstrated.