Isolation of phenolic monomers from kraft lignin using a magnetically recyclable TEMPO nanocatalyst

Abstract

Three kraft lignins were subjected to oxidative depolymerization using a magnetically separable and reusable nitroxyl radical catalyst under greener conditions without the use of an alkali. Phenolic monomers and residual polymeric lignin were characterized to identify their potential end use. Vanillin was selectively isolated from one of the kraft lignins in high yield extending an opportunity of sustainably producing an aromatic platform chemical from lignin.