The efficient conversion of lignin in lignocellulosic biomass to aromatic chemicals can potentially serve as a “sustainable” alternative to some petrochemical derived aromatics. Some years ago, members of this research group demonstrated that Cu-doped MgO/Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> catalytically converts lignin and woody biomass into complex mixtures of small organic alcohols and ethers in supercritical methanol. Our more recent studies have used lignin model compounds and organosolv lignin to elucidate key reaction pathways and to evaluate activation parameters in order to define conditions that increase selectivity for specific aromatic products. The insights garnered from this research has led to the development of solutions, such as selective O-methylation and base site neutralization, that improve the activity and/or selectivity of these biomass conversions. For example, the knowledge gained from studies using dimethyl carbonate as a cosolvent in reactions with model compounds was applied to the disassembly of organosolv lignin, where lignin-derived phenolics are converted to alkylmethoxybenzenes with 64 wt % selectivity.

An overview of lignin disassembly with Cu-doped porous metal oxides

255th National Meeting (2018)

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