Microwave-Assisted Lignin Solubilization in Protic Ionic Compounds Containing 2,3,4,5-Tetraphenyl-1H-imidazolium and Inorganic Anions

Abstract: The highly efficient solubilization of lignin in designer protic ionic compounds is reported in this work. PPhImCl provided the optimum lignin dissolution capacity and theoretical studies based on DFT calculations further confirmed that the process was energetically favored (∆E = − 13.7 kcal/mol), with strong π–π interactions and hydrogen bonding observed between the PILs and lignin. Graphic Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. © 2019, Springer Nature B.V.