One-step conversion of solid lignin to liquid products

A method of converting a lignin material into a liquid product, comprising the steps:

• (a) providing a lignin starting material,
• (b) subjecting said starting material to a treatment in a reaction medium under elevated pressure, wherein the reaction temperature is from 300-450° C. and the reaction pressure is from 100-500 bar, comprising:
• (i) at least one C1-C2 carboxylic acid, and/or salts and/or esters thereof,
• (ii) optionally at least one alcohol and/or water,
• (iii) optionally an alkylating agent, and
• (iv) optionally an inorganic salt,
• wherein said starting material is converted to a liquid product, and (c) obtaining the liquid product from the reaction medium.