Abstract: The activated carbon-supported Au catalyst was prepared by the impregnation method using acid-treated activated carbon as the support.The effects of this catalyst in the catalytic oxidative degradation of lignin model compound 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1-phenyl ethanol were investigated.The results revealed that lignin model compound underwent catalytic oxidation to produce guaiacol as the primary product and its conversion yield could reach up to 88% at 150 ℃ and 1.0 MPa using methanol as solvent,oxygen as oxidant.A possible mechanism producing guaiacol was presented.

Key words: Au/C catalyst, lignin model compound, catalytic oxidation