THE ISOBUTYL GROUP IN SPRUCE AND BIRCH LIGNINS

Abstract

Acetone has been isolated by permanganate oxidation of birch and spruce lignins extracted from wood by acetic or formic acid. Acetone was obtained also when the formic acid lignins were ozonized but not from the acetic acid – extracted lignins. This difference was confirmed when perbenzoic acid titration indicated unsaturation in the formic acid extract which was not present in the acetic acid extract. It is suggested that an α-hydroxy-β-methoxyisobutyl group is present in lignin; during acetic acid extraction the hydroxyl group is acetylated but during formic acid extraction the formic acid reduces the group to isobutenyl, which will give acetone when it is ozonized.