DEPOLYMERIZATION OF NEYVELI LIGNITE

The depolymerization of -20RL, -30RL, and -36RL Neyveli lignite sample s was carried out using phenol and p-toluenesulphonic acid (PTSA). The extractability of the depolymerized products was high in a number of solvents. The extent of depolymerization is unaffected by the atmosphe re employed. The influence of duration, temperature, catalysts and phe nols on the depolymerization of all the three samples was studied. The IR and H-1 NMR spectra of the depolymerized products reveal that Neyv eli lignite samples are much susceptible for depolymerization. The dis tribution of hydrogen atoms in the depolymerized products has been qua ntitatively assessed.