| abstract |
The present invention relates to a method for producing one or more low molecular weight aromatic lignin-derived compounds. The method preferably comprises providing lignocellulosic material, subjecting the lignocellulosic material to a pulping process, separating pulp to provide a substantially pulp-free process stream comprising a modified lignin-derived component, isolating the modified lignin-derived component, subjecting the isolated modified lignin-derived component to a decomposition step comprising oxidative cracking (cracking and oxidizing) or reducing under the influence of a catalyst or electro-oxidation, and subjecting the resulting products to an isolation step, to provide a low molecular weight aromatic lignin-derived compound. Said compound may be further modified, e.g. by annulation. The inventive method preferably comprises further oxidizing said compound to a redox active compound. Additionally, the present invention relates to compounds obtainable by the inventive method and to an assembly for carrying out the inventive method. Furthermore, the present invention refers to a method for providing an existing pulp and/or paper manufacturing plant with said assembly. |