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Hydrothermal Liquefaction of α‐O‐4 Aryl Ether Linkages in Lignin
Author(s) -
Lui Matthew Y.,
Chan Bun,
Yuen Alexander K. L.,
Masters Anthony F.,
Maschmeyer Thomas
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.201903263
Subject(s) - lignin , aryl , ether , chemistry , hydrolysis , alkyl , catalysis , organic chemistry , liquefaction , carbon fibers , hydrothermal circulation , hydrothermal liquefaction , chemical engineering , materials science , composite number , engineering , composite material
By using lignin model compounds with relevant key characteristic structural features, the reaction pathways of α‐O‐4 aryl ether linkages under hydrothermal conditions are elucidated. Experimental results and computational modeling suggest that the α‐O‐4 linkages in lignin undergo catalyzed hydrolysis and elimination to give phenolic and alkenylbenzene derivatives as major products in subcritical water. The decreased relative permittivity of water at these high temperatures and pressures facilitates the elimination reactions. The alkyl group on the α‐carbon and the methoxy groups on the phenyl rings both have positive effects on the rate of conversion of α‐O‐4 linkages in native lignin.