Breakdown of lignins, lignin model compounds, and hydroxy-aromatics, to C1 and C2 chemicals via metal-free oxidation with peroxide or persulfate under mild conditions

Abstract

The aromatic components of lignin model compounds and lignins are degraded in basic, aqueous solutions using H₂O₂or K₂S₂O₈, even at ambient temperatures, to mainly MeOH, formate, carbonate, and oxalate.