Lignin depolymerization to monophenolic compounds in a flow-through system†
Ivan Kumaniaev,Elena Subbotina,Jonas Sävmarker,Mats Larhed,Maxim V. Galkin,Joseph S. M. Samec
Green Chemistry Pub Date : 11/15/2017 00:00:00 , DOI:10.1039/C7GC02731A
Abstract

A reductive lignocellulose fractionation in a flow-through system in which pulping and transfer hydrogenolysis steps were separated in time and space has been developed. Without the hydrogenolysis step or addition of trapping agents to the pulping, it is possible to obtain partially depolymerized lignin (21 wt% monophenolic compounds) that is prone to further processing. By applying a transfer hydrogenolysis step 37 wt% yield of lignin derived monophenolic compounds was obtained. Pulp generated in the process was enzymatically hydrolyzed to glucose in 87 wt% yield without prior purification.

Graphical abstract: Lignin depolymerization to monophenolic compounds in a flow-through system