The reactivity and decomposition
pathway of models for α-O-4
and β-O-4 linkages, found within lignin, have been examined
using methoxy-substituted (−OCH3) and -unsubstituted
(−H) aryl groups under hydrothermal conditions. α-O-4
model compounds readily underwent conversion at comparatively mild
temperatures (140–300 °C) and short reaction times (5–80
min), in contrast with the β-O-4 containing model compounds
which required temperatures up to 340 °C and longer reaction
times up to 240 min. Pseudo-first-order rate constants and apparent
activation energies were calculated for hydrothermal conversion of
the model compounds based on experimental data. The cleavage of these
linkages proceeded via hydrolysis and direct elimination pathways,
with the resulting products prone to undergoing further reactions
including condensation, and dehydration. The presence of methoxy functionalities
on the aromatic rings was found to destabilize both the α-O-4
and β-O-4 ether linkages, decreasing the temperature and reaction
times required to decompose them under hydrothermal conditions. In
addition, the methoxy substituents were partially hydrolyzed under
hydrothermal conditions at temperatures exceeding 280 °C, resulting
in a number of substituted guaiacol products.