Decomposition of lignin model compounds by Lewis acid catalysts in water and ethanol

B. Guvenatam, E.H.J. Heeres, E.A. Pidko, E.J.M. Hensen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

28 Citations (Scopus)
2 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The conversion of benzyl phenyl ether, diphenyl ether, diphenyl methane and biphenyl as representative model compounds for a–O4, 5–O4, a 1 (methylene bridges) and 5–5' lignin linkages was investigated. We compared the use of metal chlorides and acetates. The reactions were studied in sub- and supercritical water and supercritical ethanol between 300-400 °C. At low temperature in water, Lewis acids mainly catalyzed condensation of hydrolysis products of the dimeric model compounds. At higher temperature, mono-aromatic products were formed. The yield of monomeric products was higher in ethanol than in water. The preference for ethanol is due to extensive alkylation of the mono-aromatic products, which inhibits their condensation into larger products. The highest yields of deoxygenated mono-aromatics were obtained using Lewis acid catalysts at 400 °C in supercritical ethanol. The preferred Lewis acid catalysts were Fe, Cu, Ni and Al chlorides.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)89-99
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Molecular Catalysis A: Chemical
Volume410
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Decomposition of lignin model compounds by Lewis acid catalysts in water and ethanol'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this