Lignin Depolymerization in the Presence of Base, Hydrogenation Catalysts, and Ethanol

Being the major renewable source of bio-aromatics, lignin possesses considerable potential for the chemical industry as raw material. Kraft lignin is a couple product of paper industry with an annual production of 55,000,000 ton/y and is considered the largest share of available lignin. Here we report a facile approach of Kraft lignin depolymerization to defined oligomeric units with yields of up to 70 wt.%. The process implies utilization of an aqueous base in combination with a metal containing catalyst and an alcohol under non-oxidative atmosphere at 300 degrees C. An advantage of the developed approach is the facile separation of the oligomer product that precipitates from the reaction mixture. In addition, the process proceeds without char formation; both factors make it attractive for industrialization. The suppression of the repolymerization processes that lead to char formation is possible when the combination of metal containing catalyst in the presence of an alcohol is used. It was found that the oligomer units have structural features found in phenol-acetaldehyde resins. These features result from the base catalyzed condensation of lignin fragments with in situ formed aldehydes. Catalytic dehydrogenation of the alcohol provides the latter. This reaction pathway is confirmed by the presence condensation products of Guerbet type reactions.

Automated summary

Kraft lignin, as a major renewable bio-aromatic source, has great potential as a raw material in the chemical industry. This study presents a facile approach to depolymerize Kraft lignin into defined oligomeric units with high yields. The process involves the use of an aqueous base, a metal-containing catalyst, and an alcohol under non-oxidative conditions. The resulting oligomer product can be easily separated, and the process does not lead to char formation, making it attractive for industrialization.