| Abstract | Conversion of lignin into chemicals and biofuels was performed using the commercial Kraft lignin, Indulin AT. Lignin was depolymerised in an aqueous alkaline solution using a continuous flow reactor generating four fractions. First is the gas fraction (mainly CO₂), the second includes methanol, acetic acid and formic acid, thus defined as small organic compounds and third one (up to 19.1 wt.% of lignin) is mostly composed of aromatic monomers. The fourth fraction (45–70 wt.%) contains oligomers (polyaromatic molecules) and modified lignin. Pyrocatechol was the most abundant product at high severities (315°C) with selectivity up to 25.8%. ³¹P NMR showed the loss of almost all aliphatic OH groups and apparition of catechol groups during depolymerisation. |
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