Pyrolysis of a Precipitated Kraft Lignin

A precipitated kraft lignin was pyrolyzed in a "captive sample" reactor at 400-700 °C for 10-120 s. Weight loss and tar were determined gravimetrically and oxides of carbon, hydrocarbons, methanol, acetone and single-ring phenols were determined by gas chromatography. The single-ring phenols (phenol, guaiacol, etc.), which are the most valuable among the products, were obtained at yields up to 3% of the original dry lignin.