Original scientific paper

Depolymerization of Lignin in Wood with Molecular Hydrogen Iodide

Sergey M. Shevchenko ; Nalco Chemical Company, One Nalco Center, Naperville, IL 60536-1198, U.S.A.

Abstract

Depolymerization of lignin in wood with hydrogen iodide in a non-polar solvent is a selective, high-yield reaction that releases a diiodide of potential synthetic value into the solution. Finely milled wood (Douglas-fir, spruce, aspen, and sugarcane), was suspended in CDCl₃ and treated with dry hydrogen iodide in a NMR tube. The yields and composition of the chloroform-soluble monomeric lignin depolymerization products, 1,3-diiodo-1-(4-hydroxyaryl)propanes, originated from guaiacyl (G), syringyl (S) and 4-hydroxyphenyl (H) units were assessed on a semi-quantitative basis. 1,3-Diiodoguaia-cylpropane was the only product obtained from softwood whereas hardwood and grassy materials gave the mixtures of two (G, S) and three (G, S, H) products, respectively. This finding opens new avenues in utilization of wood wastes.

Keywords

lignin; wood; hydrogen iodide; depolymerization

Hrčak ID:

132021

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/132021

Publication date:

4.9.2000.

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