Tunable and functional deep eutectic solvents for lignocellulose valorization

Yongzhuang Liu, Noemi Deak, Zhiwen Wang, Haipeng Yu, Lisanne Hameleers, Edita Jurak, Peter J. Deuss and Katalin Barta ()
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Yongzhuang Liu: Northeast Forestry University
Noemi Deak: Institute of Chemistry
Zhiwen Wang: University of Groningen
Haipeng Yu: Northeast Forestry University
Lisanne Hameleers: University of Groningen
Edita Jurak: University of Groningen
Peter J. Deuss: University of Groningen
Katalin Barta: University of Groningen

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract Stabilization of reactive intermediates is an enabling concept in biomass fractionation and depolymerization. Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are intriguing green reaction media for biomass processing; however undesired lignin condensation is a typical drawback for most acid-based DES fractionation processes. Here we describe ternary DES systems composed of choline chloride and oxalic acid, additionally incorporating ethylene glycol (or other diols) that provide the desired ‘stabilization’ function for efficient lignocellulose fractionation, preserving the quality of all lignocellulose constituents. The obtained ethylene-glycol protected lignin displays high β-O-4 content (up to 53 per 100 aromatic units) and can be readily depolymerized to distinct monophenolic products. The cellulose residues, free from condensed lignin particles, deliver up to 95.9 ± 2.12% glucose yield upon enzymatic digestion. The DES can be recovered with high yield and purity and re-used with good efficiency. Notably, we have shown that the reactivity of the β-O-4 linkage in model compounds can be steered towards either cleavage or stabilization, depending on DES composition, demonstrating the advantage of the modular DES composition.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25117-1

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