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Alkaline cleavage of model lignin compounds

Journal Article · · Energy Fuel; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ef00003a002· OSTI ID:6437500

The alkaline cleavage of lignin models 2a-h, based upon 2-phenoxy-1-phenyl-1-propanol with electron-donating and -withdrawing groups on the phenoxy ring, proceeds through an internal displacement of the aryloxy group to provide an epoxide intermediate that opens to the glycol. The epoxide (2-methyl-3-phenyloxirane) was observed only after the alkaline cleavage of 2h, 2-(4-nitrophenoxy)-1-phenylpropanol, since the observed rate of disappearance of the epoxide is faster than that of all the lignin models except 2h. The observed rate of reaction was found to be sensitive to steric bulk and polar substituents in the ortho position of the aryloxy ring. Another product, 1-phenyl-2-propanone, is present in the product mixture, which suggests the occurrence of a concurrent pyrolysis mechanism. 13 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA
OSTI ID:
6437500
Journal Information:
Energy Fuel; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Fuel; (United States) Vol. 1:3; ISSN ENFUE
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English