Formation of benzenediols upon electron-beam distillation of lignin mixtures with alkanes

In the process of the electron-beam distillation of lignin, its conversion into benzenediols increases in the presence of alkanes in the irradiated sample. An increase in the yield of benzenediols is accompanied by a decrease in the fractions of guaiacol, creosol, ethylguaiacol, and vinylguaiacol in the tar distilled off. It has been noted that alkanes serve as an additional source of atomic hydrogen and alkyl radicals, which, in turn, play a key role in the formation of benzenediols. In the presence of alkanes in the irradiated sample, guaiacol can be the main precursor of catechols; the proportion of guaiacol in the tar is almost three times below that in the case of distillation of individual lignin. It has been hypothesized that the chain decomposition of lignin can occur with the participation of ?H and ?CH₃ radicals.