| abstract |
A process for processing lignocellulosic biomass that includes pretreating lignocellulosic biomass, wherein the lignocellulosic biomass is heated in a pretreatment liquor containing sulfur dioxide and bisulfite salt, at a temperature between 120°C and 150°C, for at least 30 minutes. The pH of the pretreatment liquor at 25°C is less than 1.3, the concentration of sulfur dioxide is greater than 9.4 wt% (on liquor), and the concentration of alkali is between 0 wt% and 0.42 wt% (expressed as hydroxide, on liquor). |