Catalytic oxygen atom transfer from lignin to cellulose and hemicellulose and its importance in biorefining

•Oxygen atom transfer from lignin to cellulose is proposed and confirmed.•All polymers of biomass are hydrolyzed into small molecules in one-pot reaction.•Lignin is converted quantitatively into small molecular aromatics.•Cellulose and hemicellulose are transferred quantitatively into small organic acids.•Small molecular aromatics can be converted into diesel blends in one-step.

A novel approach for biorefining is proposed and the proof of concept is accomplished. Catalytic oxygen atom transfer from non-oxidant lignin to cellulose or hemicellulose by organic chemicals is reported. As expected, the catalytic reaction is a novel method for the selective and quantitative hydrolytic depolymerization of lignocelluloses into liquid products in a one-pot reaction. Lignin is converted quantitatively into small molecular aromatics, simultaneously, cellulose and hemicellulose are converted quantitatively into small organic acids with lactic acid up to 50%. Small molecular aromatics can be converted into diesel blend via one-step methylation. Neither black tar formation nor gasification is observed in the catalytic oxygen atom transfer reactions, conversion of biomass to products is quantitative.

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