Abstract:
The present invention provides, among other things, methods including providing a biomass comprising lignin, associating the biomass with between 1-50 g/L formic acid at a temperature between 80° C. and 230° C. for at least 30 seconds to form an extraction liquor and an extraction solid, and separating at least a fraction of the extraction liquor from the extraction solid, wherein an amount of lignin equal to or less than 1.6% of the lignin present in the biomass precipitates in the extraction liquor after cooling to below 100° C.