Oxidation and Quantification of14C-lignin at Different Ages in Wheat, Pine, Oak, and Kenaf

Thomas P. Abbott, Christopher James, Marvin O. Bagby
1986 Journal of wood chemistry and technology  
ABSTRACi Plant materials, containing 14C-labeled lignins, were harvested at intervals up to 1 year after labeling. They 'Were oxidized with sodiUlll chlorite (NaCIO Z ) and nitrobenzene. Age of lignin appears to limit the degree of solubilization of lignin by NaCIO Z ' Nitrobenzene oxidation solubilized all lignins in wheat, oak, and kenaf but not all lignin in some pine 1 famples. Klason and UV analysis of lignin content were compared with C-content to determine percent lignin soluble in 3%
more » ... furic acid (Klason analysis solvent)~corrected lignin contents, and UV absorptivity of lignin. Ten to ZO% of most lignins were soluble in 3% sulfuric acid. When corrected Klason_tignin_rontents were used, UV absorptivities at Z80 run were_fbout~~g 1 em for wheat straw and kenaf lignins and 11 g 1 em for pine lignin. INTRODUcnON Lignin is a major energy-rich, aromatic polymer in terrestrial woody-plant biomass. Economically successful biomass conversion processes will use nearly all of a plant, including lignin and its degradation products. One logical approach to using lignin is to separate it from other plant components. SodiUlll chlorite, hydrogen peroxide, copper oxide, and nitrobenzene are oxidants that preferentially oxidize lignin and degrade it to aromatic aldehydes, arOlllatic acids, aliphatic acids, and carbon dioxide. 1 ,Z Many 473
doi:10.1080/02773818608085239 fatcat:vw2k7rrgufexzim3ts7sjstauy