On the Structure of Lignin from Soybean Cell Suspension Cultures

Abstract

Abstract Treatment of soybean cell cultures according to the Björkman-procedure yields a “milled wood lignin” (MWL), which has been shown to be a hardwood lignin by thermofractography and carbon-13-NMR spectroscopy. The 13C-NMR spectrum of this acetylated lignin indicates that this lignin contains relatively high amounts of cinnamyl alcohol and p-hydroxyphenyl groups compared with other typical hardwood lignins. The 13C-spectrum of the acetylated MWL also indicates the presence of carbohydrate components, which are apparently very tightly bound to the lignin.