Lignin dispersant

A process for the preparation of a dispersant from an aqueous vanillin raffinate obtained upon partial oxidation of lignin, which comprises adding to the aqueous raffinate solution containing from 15 to 30 weight percent solids from 2 to 10 weight percent of formaldehyde, based upon raffinate solids, heating the mixture at a pH in the range of 8 to 11 at a temperature in the range of 60.degree. to 120.degree. C until a substantial portion of the formaldehyde has reacted with the lignin, subsequently acidifying the mixture at a temperature in the range of 70.degree. to 95.degree. C with an inorganic acid to a pH below 2.5 to precipitate and coagulate the lignin, cooling the acidified mixture after coagulation of the precipitate to a temperature below 50.degree. C and separating the precipitated and coagulated lignin from the mixture.