New methods in biomass depolymerisation: catalytic hydrogenolysis of barks

Hydrogenolysis of bark from three different species of tree using heterogeneous platinum group metal catalysts produces two major product streams. Aromatic substituted guaiacols are produced from lignin and the lignin-like regions of suberin and a range of saturated fatty acids and alcohols, including α,ω-functionalised species, are produced from the polyester regions of suberin. Control experiments demonstrate clear advantages of catalytic hydrogenolysis over base hydrolysis, both in terms of conversion and product selectivity.