De-etherification of lignin model compounds and lignins

Introduction Lignin is the second most abundant polymer on earth and is found in almost all biomass resources. This inexpensive feedstock is an ideal carbon source that can be used to makes fuels and chemicals. However, there are substantial challenges to convert it into a liquid fuel [1]. Lignin is an amorphous polymer consisting of randomly branched phenylpropenyl (C9) groups. The linkages between these groups are primary ether linkages (C-O-C) [1]. The conversion of lignin into a usable product involves cleavage of such linkage, known as deetherification. In this presentation we discuss our catalytic de-etherification strategies for lignin and lignin model compounds.