The present invention relates to a method for extracting aromatic compounds from aqueous, alkaline compositions containing lignin, which have a pH value of at least pH 10, in particular of at least pH 11, especially of at least pH 12, characterized in that the aqueous, alkaline composition containing lignin is treated with active carbon, the active carbon separates from the aqueous, alkaline composition containing lignin and the active carbon then undergoes a desorption step in order to extract the aromatic compounds, wherein the desorption step comprises the treatment of the active carbon (i) by means of an organic solvent, which essentially consists of one or more aromatic hydrocarbons or a mixture of at least one aromatic hydrocarbon together with at least one C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkanol, or (ii) by means of water vapor,
wherein an eluate is obtained which contains the aromatic compounds.

The present invention is related to a catalytic process, which includes catalytic compositions for depolymerisation and deoxygenation of lignin contained in the biomass for obtaining aromatic hydrocarbons. The catalytic composition consists of at least one non-noble element from group VIIIB of the periodic table supported on a mesoporous matrix composed of an inorganic oxide, which can be alumina surface-modified with a second inorganic oxide with the object of inhibiting the interaction between the active component and the support. The process of lignin depolymerisation consists of dissolving lignin in a mixture of protic liquids, reacting it I a reaction system by batch or in continuous flow at inert and/or reducing atmosphere, at a temperature of between 60 to 320° C. and a pressure of from 5 to 90 kg/cm.sup.2. When the reaction is developed into a batch system, oxygenated aromatic hydrocarbons are mainly produced, both by thermal as well as catalytic depolymerisation, whereas in a continuous flow reaction system, deoxygenated aromatic hydrocarbons are produced.

The present invention is related to a catalytic process, which includes catalytic compositions for depolymerisation and deoxygenation of lignin contained in the biomass for obtaining aromatic hydrocarbons. The catalytic composition consists of at least one non-noble element from group VIIIB of the periodic table supported on a mesoporous matrix composed of an inorganic oxide, which can be alumina surface-modified with a second inorganic oxide with the object of inhibiting the interaction between the active component and the support. The process of lignin depolymerisation consists of dissolving lignin in a mixture of protic liquids, reacting it I a reaction system by batch or in continuous flow at inert and/or reducing atmosphere, at a temperature of between 60 to 320° C. and a pressure of from 5 to 90 kg/cm.sup.2. When the reaction is developed into a batch system, oxygenated aromatic hydrocarbons are mainly produced, both by thermal as well as catalytic depolymerisation, whereas in a continuous flow reaction system, deoxygenated aromatic hydrocarbons are produced.

The present invention is related to a catalytic process, which includes catalytic compositions for depolymerisation and deoxygenation of lignin contained in the biomass for obtaining aromatic hydrocarbons. The catalytic composition consists of at least one non-noble element from group VIIIB of the periodic table supported on a mesoporous matrix composed of an inorganic oxide, which can be alumina surface-modified with a second inorganic oxide with the object of inhibiting the interaction between the active component and the support. The process of lignin depolymerisation consists of dissolving lignin in a mixture of protic liquids, reacting it I a reaction system by batch or in continuous flow at inert and/or reducing atmosphere, at a temperature of between 60 to 320° C. and a pressure of from 5 to 90 kg/cm.sup.2. When the reaction is developed into a batch system, oxygenated aromatic hydrocarbons are mainly produced, both by thermal as well as catalytic depolymerisation, whereas in a continuous flow reaction system, deoxygenated aromatic hydrocarbons are produced.

Provided is a method for collecting an objective substance such as vanillin from a fermentation broth. Upon collecting an objective substance from a fermentation broth containing the objective substance by solvent extraction using an organic solvent, emulsification during the solvent extraction can be prevented by treating the fermentation broth with a protease and then subjecting it to the solvent extraction, or by carrying out the solvent extraction with an agitation power adjusted to a predetermined range, and thereby the objective substance can be collected from the fermentation broth.

Provided is a method for collecting an objective substance such as vanillin from a fermentation broth. Upon collecting an objective substance from a fermentation broth containing the objective substance by solvent extraction using an organic solvent, emulsification during the solvent extraction can be prevented by treating the fermentation broth with a protease and then subjecting it to the solvent extraction, or by carrying out the solvent extraction with an agitation power adjusted to a predetermined range, and thereby the objective substance can be collected from the fermentation broth.

Provided is a method for collecting an objective substance such as vanillin from a fermentation broth. Upon collecting an objective substance from a fermentation broth containing the objective substance by solvent extraction using an organic solvent, emulsification during the solvent extraction can be prevented by treating the fermentation broth with a protease and then subjecting it to the solvent extraction, or by carrying out the solvent extraction with an agitation power adjusted to a predetermined range, and thereby the objective substance can be collected from the fermentation broth.

A method of preparing a compound of formula (IV)

##STR00001##

where R.sub.1 is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, comprises reacting cyclohexene with hydrogen peroxide and an alcohol R.sub.1OH in the presence of a catalyst comprising a zeolite of framework structure MWW, wherein the framework of the zeolite comprises silicon, titanium, boron, oxygen and hydrogen.

A method of preparing a compound of formula (IV)

##STR00001##

where R.sub.1 is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, comprises reacting cyclohexene with hydrogen peroxide and an alcohol R.sub.1OH in the presence of a catalyst comprising a zeolite of framework structure MWW, wherein the framework of the zeolite comprises silicon, titanium, boron, oxygen and hydrogen.

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.