Use of Bisulfite Processing To Generate High-β-O-4 Content Water-Soluble Lignosulfonates

Abstract With lignin-first biorefineries likely to become a reality, controlled depolymerization of high-quality lignin streams to high-value products has become a priority. Using bisulfite chemistry, access to a high-β-O-4 content water-soluble lignosulfonate has been achieved, allowing follow-up procedures in water to be conducted. We show that phenolic β-O-4 units preferentially react under aci…