Lignin is a potentially rich source of phenolic compounds, due to its composition of phenyl propane units. Lignin model compounds show that predominantly the ß-O-4 ether bond is cleaved during base catalyzed lignin hydrolysis. Phenolic monomers are the primary products of this reaction pathway; however, their yield is limited, due to consecutive oligomerization reactions. Reaction with boric acid suppresses oligomerization. The solely acid catalyzed (strengthening of hydrogen bonding) lignin hydrolysis, e.g. by boric acid, leads to higher molecular primary products. By combination of base catalyzed depolymerization and the addition of boric acid higher monomer contents can be achieved, without hindrance by oligomerization.
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Lignin is a potentially rich source of phenolic compounds, due to its composition of phenyl propane units. Lignin model compounds show that predominantly the ß-O-4 ether bond is cleaved during base catalyzed lignin hydrolysis. Phenolic monomers are the primary products of this reaction pathway; however, their yield is limited, due to consecutive oligomerization reactions. Reaction with boric acid suppresses oligomerization. The solely acid catalyzed (strengthening of hydrogen bonding) lignin hy...
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