Functionalized lignin, a method for preparation thereof as well as uses thereof

Lignin covalently bonded to one or more compounds of Formula I:

• wherein
• Q is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-C18alkyl,
• C2-C18alkene, OC1-C18alkyl, OC2-C18alkene, COOH, COOC1-C18alkyl, OCOC1-C18alkyl, COOC2-C18alkene, OCOC1-C18alkene, SO3H and SH;
• Z is H or
• R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, C1-C18 alkyl, C2-C18alkene and
• n is 1, 2 or 3;
• m is 0, 1 or 2;
• r is 2 or 3;
• and
• q is 0 or 1
• said lignin being covalently bonded at the α position of the lignin β-O-4′ units to the phenyl ring of the one or more compounds of Formula I, said bonding providing functionalized lignin fragment 1
• wherein
• all of the lignin β-O-4′ units bind at the α position to the phenyl ring of the one or more compounds of Formula I;
• and
• the lignin β-O-4′ units binding at the α position to the phenyl ring of the one or more compounds of Formula I are present within the range of from 10% to 50% per 100 C9 units of the lignin.