Degradation of lignin

Aryl methyl ethers. A great deal of attention has been directed to the demethylation of aryl methyl ethers on account of interest in the degradation of lignin and related compounds by both aerobic and anaerobic organisms. 

Gierer, J. Opara, A. E. Enzymic degradation of lignin. Action of peroxidase and laccase on monomeric and dimeric model compounds. Acta Chem. Scand. 1973, 27,... 

For delignified boards, a constant or at higher temperatures an increasing rate of heat release with time is interpreted as a radical initiated oxidation, maybe catalysed by some of the intermediate oxidation products - but retarded by radical scavengers formed in the degradation of lignin. 

Caldwell, E.S. and Steelink, C. (1969). Phenoxy radical intermediates in the enzymatic degradation of lignin model compounds. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 184,420-431. 

The papers on the "Degradation of Lignin in Geological Environments a ppeared in a special issue of Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. 

Fukuzumi, T. Enzymic Degradation of Lignins. Bull. Agric. Chem. Soc. Japan 24, 728—736 (1960). 

Lignin A large polymeric macromolecule synthesized only by woody plants. The degradation of lignin is a unique source of phenolic acids. 

Ligninperoxidase [9,14] Phanerochaete chrysosporium 2AH + H2O2 2A + 2H2O Degradation of lignin... 

The chemical and enzymatic oxidative degradation of lignin (and coal) is used to obtain not only vanillin and benzoic acid, but also other aromatics (Baciocchi et al. 1999, references therein). In principle, lignin could be a major nonfossil and renewable source of aromatic compounds, a feedstock for synthesis of useful products. The problem deserves finding new ion-radical routes to cleave lignin. At present, there is some shortage in oil, gas, and even coal, which had usually been well-available natural sources of aromatics. In the near future, biomass may (and must) replace fossil-originated materials in the manufacture of commercial carbon-based products. 

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