Microwave Depolymerization of Lignin via Dynamic Vapor Flow Reaction System: HCOOH as Pretreatment Solvent or Reforming Solvent Vapor

Abstract Different forms of HCOOH in the depolymerization system play an important role in governing the monomeric products from lignin. We reported two strategies for the introduction of HCOOH to enrich the monophenols from kraft lignin by microwave‐assisted depolymerization. The reaction of lignin models showed that HCOOH was in favor of the cleavage of C−O bonds ( β ‐O‐4 typically) and partial C−C bonds (C α −C β ). Subsequently, Microwave‐assisted depolymerization of lignin with two strategies was conducted via a designed dynamic vapor flow reaction system. Strategy A with HCOOH as pretreatment solvent showed excellent monophenols enrichment with total mass yields of 193.71 mg/g (lignin basis). Strategy B using HCOOH as reforming solvent vapor significantly increased the monophenols selectivity. It presented unique reforming and upgrading performance by generating catechol (42.59 mg/g, lignin basis) and homovanillic acid (17.58 mg/g, lignin basis). This study provided potential strategies for the efficient conversion of kraft lignin into high‐value platform chemicals.