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Title: Experimental Study of Mechanistic Acid Deconstruction of Lignin

Conference ·
OSTI ID:1042498

Lignin is a major component of biomass, which remains highly underutilized in selective biomass conversion strategies to renewable fuels and chemicals. Here we are interested in studying the mechanisms related to the acid deconstruction of lignin with a combined theoretical and experimental approach. Quantum mechanical calculations were employed to elucidate possible deconstruction mechanisms with transition state theory. Model dimers, imitating H, S, and G lignins, were synthesized with the most abundant {beta} - O - 4 linkage in lignin. These compounds were then depolymerized using various acids and at different operating conditions. The deconstruction products were analyzed to complement the QM studies and investigate proposed mechanisms.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Transportation Office. Bioenergy Technologies Office
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1042498
Report Number(s):
NREL/AB-5100-54818; TRN: US201212%%786
Resource Relation:
Conference: Presented at the 243rd ACS National Meeting, 25-29 March 2012, San Diego, California; Related Information: Abstract No. CELL-166
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English