DFRC Method for Lignin Analysis. 1. New Method for β-Aryl Ether Cleavage: Lignin Model Studies

Abstract

A new method for selective and efficient cleavage of arylglycerol-β-aryl (β-O-4) ether linkages in lignins is described and applied to several lignin β-ether models. The term “DFRC” was coined for derivatization followed by reductive cleavage. Derivatization, accompanied by cell wall solubilization, is accomplished with acetyl bromide (AcBr); reductive cleavage of resulting β-bromo ethers utilizes zinc in acetic acid. Degradation monomers, 4-acetoxycinnamyl acetates, from β-ether cleavage by the DFRC method were identified by NMR, GC−MS, and comparison of GC retention times with authentic compounds. Under the conditions used in this study, the β-ether linkage of all models was cleaved in very high (>92%) yield. The DFRC method produces simpler mixtures of monomers with higher yields than alternative hydrolytic methods. Because of its relative simplicity, mild conditions, and exceptional selectivity, this method should become a powerful analytical method for lignin characterization. Keywords: Acetyl bromide; lignin; lignin model compound; β-aryl ether; thioacidolysis; β-bromoether; cleavage; quantitative analysis; gas chromatography; reductive elimination; acetylation; bromination