Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2026

Extraction of Lignin with High β-O-4 Content by Mild Ethanol Extraction and Its Effect on the Depolymerization Yield
Published on: January 7, 2019
Recent Advances in the Catalytic Depolymerization of Lignin towards Phenolic Chemicals: A Review
Xudong Liu1,2, Florent P Bouxin2, Jiajun Fan2
1Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Wangjiang Road, Chengdu, 610064, P.R. China.
Abstract:
The efficient valorization of lignin could dictate the success of the 2nd generation biorefinery. Lignin, accounting for on average a third of the lignocellulosic biomass, is the most promising candidate for sustainable production of value-added phenolics. However, the structural alteration induced during lignin isolation is often depleting its potential for value-added chemicals. Recently, catalytic reductive depolymerization of lignin has appeared to be a promising and effective method for its valorization to obtain phenolic monomers. The present study systematically summarizes the far-reaching and state-of-the-art lignin valorization strategies during different stages, including conventional catalytic depolymerization of technical lignin, emerging reductive catalytic fractionation of protolignin, stabilization strategies to inhibit the undesired condensation reactions, and further catalytic upgrading of lignin-derived monomers. Finally, the potential challenges for the future researches on the efficient valorization of lignin and possible solutions are proposed.
Related Concept Videos
Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes
Preparation of Diols and Pinacol Rearrangement
The reaction begins with transferring a proton from the acid catalyst to one of the hydroxyl groups, producing an oxonium ion.
Hydrolysis of Chlorobenzene to Phenol: Dow Process
Benzene to Phenol via Cumene: Hock Process
Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...
Bioplastics

