Depolymerization of oak wood lignin under mild conditions using the acidic ionic liquid 1-H-3-methylimidazolium chloride as both solvent and catalyst

► Lignin extracted from wood in ionic liquid through dissolution and precipitation. ► Lignin reacted with 1-H-3-methylimidazolium chloride at mild temperatures. ► Hydrolysis of lignin ether linkages with acidic ionic liquid was demonstrated. ► Acidic ionic liquid could be used for biomass pretreatment by lignin degradation.