Hydrothermal production of formic and acetic acids from syringol

The production of formic and acetic acids (or salts) by hydrothermal oxidation of syringol, a model compound for lignin, was investigated using a batch reactor. Results show that the highest yields of formic and acetic acids were, respectively, 59.6% and 11.3% at the reaction condition of 0.5 mol/L NaOH, 120% H2O2 supply and 280 °C. These results will inform studies aiming to develop more environmental friendly lignin conversion processes by obtaining products beyond a CO2 end product.