This specification discloses a process to convert a converted lignin feedstream to an aromatic composition comprised of aromatic compounds. The process follows the steps of exposing the converted lignin feedstream to at least one catalyst in the presence of donated hydrogen atoms at an exposure temperature greater than 190 C. for a time of at least thirty minutes. The donated hydrogen atoms are donated from at least one hydrogen donating compound during exposure of the converted lignin feedstream to the at least one catalyst at the exposure temperature. The resulting products are comprised largely of aromatics.

This specification discloses a process to convert a converted lignin feedstream to an aromatic composition comprised of aromatic compounds. The process follows the steps of exposing the converted lignin feedstream to at least one catalyst in the presence of donated hydrogen atoms at an exposure temperature greater than 190 C. for a time of at least thirty minutes. The donated hydrogen atoms are donated from at least one hydrogen donating compound during exposure of the converted lignin feedstream to the at least one catalyst at the exposure temperature. The resulting products are comprised largely of aromatics.

A method of depolymerizing lignin and to the use of this method in the production of fuels, electronic components, plastic polymers, rubber, medicines, vitamins, cosmetic products, perfumes, foodstuffs, synthetic threads and fibres, synthetic leathers, adhesives, pesticides and fertilizers is provided. It also relates to a method of producing fuels, electronic components, plastic polymers, rubber, medicines, vitamins, cosmetic products, perfumes, foodstuffs, synthetic threads and fibres, synthetic leathers, adhesives, pesticides and fertilizers, including a step of depolymerizing lignin using the method according to the invention.

A method of depolymerizing lignin and to the use of this method in the production of fuels, electronic components, plastic polymers, rubber, medicines, vitamins, cosmetic products, perfumes, foodstuffs, synthetic threads and fibres, synthetic leathers, adhesives, pesticides and fertilizers is provided. It also relates to a method of producing fuels, electronic components, plastic polymers, rubber, medicines, vitamins, cosmetic products, perfumes, foodstuffs, synthetic threads and fibres, synthetic leathers, adhesives, pesticides and fertilizers, including a step of depolymerizing lignin using the method according to the invention.

A method for converting lignin to a phenol product, the method comprising contacting a zeolite catalyst with a lignin under reaction conditions sufficient to produce the phenol product at a yield of equal to or greater than about 50%. A method for converting lignin to a mixed phenol product, the method comprising contacting a large-pore zeolite catalyst with a Kraft lignin under reaction conditions comprising a reaction temperature of from about 550 C. to about 850 C. to produce the mixed phenol product at a yield of equal to or greater than about 50%.

A method for converting lignin to a phenol product, the method comprising contacting a zeolite catalyst with a lignin under reaction conditions sufficient to produce the phenol product at a yield of equal to or greater than about 50%. A method for converting lignin to a mixed phenol product, the method comprising contacting a large-pore zeolite catalyst with a Kraft lignin under reaction conditions comprising a reaction temperature of from about 550 C. to about 850 C. to produce the mixed phenol product at a yield of equal to or greater than about 50%.

A method for converting lignin to a phenol product, the method comprising contacting a zeolite catalyst with a lignin under reaction conditions sufficient to produce the phenol product at a yield of equal to or greater than about 50%. A method for converting lignin to a mixed phenol product, the method comprising contacting a large-pore zeolite catalyst with a Kraft lignin under reaction conditions comprising a reaction temperature of from about 550 C. to about 850 C. to produce the mixed phenol product at a yield of equal to or greater than about 50%.

The invention provides a method for depolymerising a phenolic polymer, the method comprising reacting the phenolic polymer with dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and a hydrogen halide. The phenolic polymer may be selected from the group consisting of lignin and derivatives thereof. The hydrogen halide may be HBr. The quantity of hydrogen halide per gram of phenolic polymer may be from 30 mmoles to 70 mmoles. The quantity of DMSO per gram of phenolic polymer may be from 0.1 mole to 1 mole. The reaction may be performed at a temperature of from 100 to 120 C. The reaction may be carried out for between 10 h and 14 h. The product of the reaction may comprise vanillin.

The invention provides a method for depolymerising a phenolic polymer, the method comprising reacting the phenolic polymer with dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and a hydrogen halide. The phenolic polymer may be selected from the group consisting of lignin and derivatives thereof. The hydrogen halide may be HBr. The quantity of hydrogen halide per gram of phenolic polymer may be from 30 mmoles to 70 mmoles. The quantity of DMSO per gram of phenolic polymer may be from 0.1 mole to 1 mole. The reaction may be performed at a temperature of from 100 to 120 C. The reaction may be carried out for between 10 h and 14 h. The product of the reaction may comprise vanillin.

The invention provides a method for depolymerising a phenolic polymer, the method comprising reacting the phenolic polymer with dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and a hydrogen halide. The phenolic polymer may be selected from the group consisting of lignin and derivatives thereof. The hydrogen halide may be HBr. The quantity of hydrogen halide per gram of phenolic polymer may be from 30 mmoles to 70 mmoles. The quantity of DMSO per gram of phenolic polymer may be from 0.1 mole to 1 mole. The reaction may be performed at a temperature of from 100 to 120 C. The reaction may be carried out for between 10 h and 14 h. The product of the reaction may comprise vanillin.