(216a) Characterizing Lignin from a Low Temperature Hydrotropic Process for Valorization

Recently we discovered that an aromatic acid, p-Toluenesulfonic acid (p-TsOH), as a hydrotrope can achieve near complete dissolution of wood lignin at 80C for 20 min. Here we present lignin properties from low severity fractionation using p-TsOH characterized by NMR, GPC, DSC, et al. We found that low severity can substantially preserve beta-O-4 linkages which can facilitate valozriation. p-TsOH as a solid catalyst can be easily recovered.