Several organic soluble N-based ligands and their copper complexes were firstly investigated as catalysts to depolymerise organosolv lignin in the organic solvent, dimethylformamide (DMF) and an ionic liquid (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium xylenesulfonate, [emim][ABS]). The results of screening depolymerisation reactions in DMF and [emim] [ABS] showed that all the copper-amine complexes catalysed lignin depolymerisation more efficiently in ionic liquids than in DMF. Among the seven types of ligands, copper complexes with two types of ligands ((E)-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)aniline and (E)-4-methoxy-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)aniline depolymerised the lignin more efficiently than the others. These two copper complexes with N-based ligand were further studied to determine the most efficient conditions for the depolymerisation of the lignin. The most effective depolymerisation by conditions involved treatment at 180°C for 12 h in [emim][ABS]. Cyclic voltammetric studies were carried out to investigate the reversible potential associated with the copper centers of their complexes with these N-based ligands. The results suggest that two types of ligands have more positive reversible potentials than those of other copper complexes.

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Some remarks made at a meeting of the Cornish Institute of Engineers by Dr. R. H. Rastall directed attention to the possibility of platinum being found in the Lizard. In a paper upon “Ore Deposits of Igneous Origin”, Dr. Rastall pointed out that in the Lizard the local characteristics were favourable to the presence of platinum, although no definite information of its occurrence had been reported. Much interest was aroused locally by these remarks, and the writers resolved to investigate the alluvials derived from the altered ultrabasic igneous rocks of the Lizard Group.