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Published on: July 23, 2014
Lignin oxidation with an organic peroxide and subsequent aromatic ring opening
Mónica R C Fernandes1, Xiaoming Huang2, Hendrikus C L Abbenhuis3
1Schuit Institute of Catalysis, Laboratory of Inorganic Materials and Catalysis, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Hybrid Catalysies B.V., PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
Titanium-initiated oxidation of organosolv lignin using tert-butylhydroperoxide causes structural changes. Grafted titanium catalyzes aromatic ring opening, making lignin more susceptible to depolymerization into valuable monomers.
Area of Science:
- Biomass valorization
- Catalysis
- Polymer chemistry
Background:
- Organosolv lignin is a byproduct of biomass processing.
- Lignin's complex structure hinders its efficient conversion.
- Titanium-grafted lignin offers potential for controlled chemical modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the oxidation of organosolv lignin initiated by grafted titanium.
- To understand the structural changes and reaction mechanisms involved.
- To explore the potential for lignin depolymerization.
Main Methods:
- Organosolv lignin modification with titanium grafting.
- Oxidation using tert-butylhydroperoxide.
- Spectroscopic analysis including IR and MAS 13C NMR.
- Model compound studies using guaiacol.
Main Results:
- Titanation induced cross-linking of the lignin structure.
- Spectroscopy confirmed significant oxidation and structural alterations.
- Grafted titanium catalyzed aromatic ring opening in lignin and guaiacol.
- Oxidized lignin exhibited reduced structural integrity.
Conclusions:
- Titanium-grafted organosolv lignin can be oxidized to alter its structure.
- Aromatic ring opening is a key reaction pathway.
- The modified lignin is more amenable to depolymerization for monomer recovery.
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