Use of a 2 liquid phase system in biomass delignification

A one-pot process to separate lignin from a lignocellulosic feedstock, said process comprising the steps of:

• providing a vessel;
• providing said lignocellulosic feedstock;
• providing a composition comprising;
• an acid;
• a modifying agent;
• and
• a peroxide;
• exposing said lignocellulosic feedstock to said composition in said vessel for a period of time sufficient to remove at least 80% of the lignin present in said lignocellulosic feedstock;
• optionally, removing a liquid phase comprising dissolved lignin fragments from a solid phase comprising cellulose fibres.

A one-pot process to separate lignin from a lignocellulosic feedstock, said process comprising the steps of:

• providing a vessel;
• providing said lignocellulosic feedstock;
• providing a composition comprising;
• an acid;
• a modifying agent;
• a peroxide;
• exposing said lignocellulosic feedstock to said composition in said vessel creating a reaction mixture,
• wherein the exposure is done for a period of time sufficient to remove at least 80% of the lignin present said lignocellulosic feedstock;
• exposing the reaction mixture to a water immiscible solvent;
• separating a liquid phase comprising:
• said water immiscible solvent;
• and
• dissolved lignin fragments;
• from a solid phase comprising cellulose fibres.