Lignin Conversion to Low-Molecular-Weight Aromatics via an Aerobic Oxidation-Hydrolysis Sequence: Comparison of Different Lignin Sources

Authors: Amit Das, Alireza Rahimi, Arne Ulbrich, Manar Alherech, Ali Hussain Motagamwala, Aditya Bhalla, Leonardo da Costa Sousa, Venkatesh Balan, James A. Dumesic, Eric L. Hegg, Bruce E. Dale, John Ralph, Joshua J. Coon, Shannon S. Stahl - ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 2018 cited by 148

Diverse lignin samples have been subjected to a catalytic aerobic oxidation process, followed by formic-acid-induced hydrolytic depolymerization. The yield of monomeric aromatic compounds varies depending on the lignin plant source and pretreatment method. The best results are obtained from poplar lignin isolated via a acidolysis pretreatment method, which gives 42 wt% yield of low-molecular-weight aromatics. Use of other pretreatment methods and/or use of maple and maize lignins afford yields of aromatics ranging from 3 to 31 wt%. These results establish useful references for the development of improved oxidation/depolymerization protocols.