Abstract: The delignification and bleaching of lignocellulosic products is effected by mixing an aqueous suspension of the lignocellulosic product with a chlorine-containing substance and an oxygen-containing substance, simultaneously or sequentially, and they, by reaction in situ, give rise to gases in the nascent state. The chlorine and/or oxygen are in the so-called "singlet" state, or in a state of higher energy. The treatment occurs at a temperature below 100.degree. C and for a time less than 60 minutes.

Abstract: A three stage process for pulping lignocellulosic materials, preferably softwood chips comprising: as a first stage treating the lignocellulosic material with a cyanide ion-containing solution at a pH between 7 and 12 to form cyanohydrin groups; in a second stage digesting the thus treated lignocellulosic material with an alkali metal pulping solution containing hydroxyl ions; and as a third stage treating the thus digested lignocellulosic material with 1% to 12% by weight sodium hydroxide, as sodium oxide based on o.d. pulp from the alkaline pulping stage, in the presence of an excess of oxygen.