A New Way of Forming Lignin-Carbohydrate Bonds. Etherification of Model Benzyl Alcohols in Alcohol/ Water Mixtures

Abstract

The etherification reactions of vanillyl alcohol and veratryl alcohol in alcohol/water mixtures have been studied. It is concluded that lignin-carbohydrate bonds could be formed subsequent to lignification of the plant cell wall, through etherification of the p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol structures in the lignin polymer.