Overview
Oxidative degradation of lignin model compounds using green oxidants, naturally abundant transition metals, and environmentally benign solvents.
Study
Our approach is to test different manganese based complexes and salts with green oxidants on lignin model compounds that we have prepared. These models allow us to more easily determine the extent and mode of oxidation that each set of complexes/oxidants are capable of.
Impact
It is our intention to use naturally abundant transition metals, environmentally friendly oxidants, and the greenest solvents possible. Once we have a system that has been shown to degrade the models we can move on to actual lignin.