Storage-stable intermediates from pulp lignin useful in making high molecular weight polymers

摘要

Intermediates for production of polymers from pulp industry lignin derivatives are prepared by treating the lignin derivatives with phenol-oxidising enzymes in the presence of oxidising agents. The derivatives are: (a) treated with the enzymes for > 3 hours in the presence of air, or (b) treated with the enzymes for > 10 minutes while air or O2 is passed through, or (c) oxidised by treatment with chemical oxidisers. Processes involving (a) or (b) are also claimed per se. (It is not clear from the specification whether (c) involves enzyme treatment).