Tetrabutylammonium Hydroxide 30-Hydrate as Novel Reaction Medium for Lignin Conversion

The efficient conversion of lignin, a major component of lignocellulosics, to monomeric aromatics is a hot topic in biorefining. In this study, we developed a method for selective degradation of several types of lignin [milled wood lignin, sodium lignosulfonate, soda lignin, and Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) wood flour] in Bu4NOH·30H2O (mp 27–30 °C). Degradation at 120 °C for 43–70 h gave low-molecular-weight (MW) compounds such as...