A method of converting lignin to phenolic compounds and dicarboxylates in high yield is described. The method involves the use of peroxy acids to react with lignin at a moderated treatment conditions. The peroxy acids can be used along or in combination of other catalysts that have the capability to lower the molecular weight of lignin. A phenolic compounds yield is achieved (>60%) and these phenolic compounds represents high value precursors for various applications include but not limited to antioxidants, health improvement agents, anticorrosive agents, liquid fuel components and performance enhancing agents, resin and adhesives. Dicarboxylic acids can be used for polymer applications or hydrodeoxygenation to hydrocarbon fuel.

A method of depolymerising a lignin includes oxidising the lignin to provide an oxidised lignin wherein benzylic —OH of β-O-4 linkages have been converted to carbonyl. The oxidised lignin is depolymerised with a metal selected from the group consisting of zinc, magnesium, aluminium and titanium or mixtures thereof, in the presence of an ammonium salt or carbon dioxide. Also described are methods for manufacturing phenolic products from lignin and a method for the cleavage of a β-O-4 linkage in a substrate.

A method of depolymerising a lignin includes oxidising the lignin to provide an oxidised lignin wherein benzylic —OH of β-O-4 linkages have been converted to carbonyl. The oxidised lignin is depolymerised with a metal selected from the group consisting of zinc, magnesium, aluminium and titanium or mixtures thereof, in the presence of an ammonium salt or carbon dioxide. Also described are methods for manufacturing phenolic products from lignin and a method for the cleavage of a β-O-4 linkage in a substrate.

This specification discloses an operational continuous process to convert lignin as found in ligno-cellulosic biomass before or after converting at least some of the carbohydrates. The continuous process has been demonstrated to create a slurry comprised of lignin, raise the slurry comprised of lignin to ultra-high pressure, deoxygenate the lignin in a lignin conversion reactor over a catalyst which is not a fixed bed without producing char. The conversion products of the carbohydrates or lignin can be further processed into polyester intermediates for use in polyester preforms and bottles.

This specification discloses an operational continuous process to convert lignin as found in ligno-cellulosic biomass before or after converting at least some of the carbohydrates. The continuous process has been demonstrated to create a slurry comprised of lignin, raise the slurry comprised of lignin to ultra-high pressure, deoxygenate the lignin in a lignin conversion reactor over a catalyst which is not a fixed bed without producing char. The conversion products of the carbohydrates or lignin can be further processed into polyester intermediates for use in polyester preforms and bottles.

This specification discloses an operational continuous process to convert lignin as found in ligno-cellulosic biomass before or after converting at least some of the carbohydrates. The continuous process has been demonstrated to create a slurry comprised of lignin, raise the slurry comprised of lignin to ultra-high pressure, deoxygenate the lignin in a lignin conversion reactor over a catalyst which is not a fixed bed without producing char. The conversion products of the carbohydrates or lignin can be further processed into polyester intermediates for use in polyester preforms and bottles.

Provided are a terminal conjugated trienal acetal compound useful as an intermediate for producing a terminal conjugated trienal compound, and a method for producing a terminal conjugated trienal compound through deprotection of the terminal conjugated trienal acetal compound. More specifically, provided are a terminal conjugated trienal acetal compound represented by General Formula (1); a method for producing a (Z,E)-terminal conjugated trienal acetal compound, the method comprising the step of: reacting a phosphonium salt represented by General Formula (7) with (E)-2,4-pentadienal through Wittig reaction to obtain a (Z,E)-terminal conjugated trienal acetal compound represented by General Formula (3); and a method for producing a terminal conjugated trienal compound, the method comprising the step of: deprotecting the terminal conjugated trienal acetal compound represented by General Formula (1) to obtain a terminal conjugated trienal compound represented by General Formula (2).

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Provided are a terminal conjugated trienal acetal compound useful as an intermediate for producing a terminal conjugated trienal compound, and a method for producing a terminal conjugated trienal compound through deprotection of the terminal conjugated trienal acetal compound. More specifically, provided are a terminal conjugated trienal acetal compound represented by General Formula (1); a method for producing a (Z,E)-terminal conjugated trienal acetal compound, the method comprising the step of: reacting a phosphonium salt represented by General Formula (7) with (E)-2,4-pentadienal through Wittig reaction to obtain a (Z,E)-terminal conjugated trienal acetal compound represented by General Formula (3); and a method for producing a terminal conjugated trienal compound, the method comprising the step of: deprotecting the terminal conjugated trienal acetal compound represented by General Formula (1) to obtain a terminal conjugated trienal compound represented by General Formula (2).

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The present application relates to processes for the preparation of polyhydroxylated cyclohexyl compounds such as the compounds of Formula I:

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The present application relates to processes for the preparation of polyhydroxylated cyclohexyl compounds such as the compounds of Formula I:

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