Weaving a web of reliable thermochemistry around lignin building blocks: phenol, benzaldehyde, and anisole

Substituted benzenes such as phenol, benzaldehyde, and anisole are the simplest fragments from the lignin separation feedstocks. We have collected available primary experimental results on vapour pressures, enthalpies of phase transition, and enthalpies of combustion of phenol, benzaldehyde, and anisole. The resulting data on the gas-phase standard molar enthalpies of formation were validated using the quantum chemical method G4. The consistent sets of evaluated thermodynamic data are essential for calculating the energy balances of lignin conversion in the value-added chemicals and materials. Graphic abstract