Delignification mechanism during high-boiling solvent pulping. Part 6: Changes in lignin structure analyzed by 1H-13C correlation 2-D NMR spectroscopy
Abstract In order to investigate the delignification mechanism during high-boiling solvent (HBS) pulping, softwood HBS lignin samples from todo fir (Abies sachalinensis) were analyzed by 1H–13C correlation NMR spectroscopy (HMQC). Nine lignin model compounds that may represent the substructures in HBS lignin were prepared. The 1H and 13C NMR spectral data were compared with HBS lignin samples. The HMQC spectra of HBS lignin samples showed the disappearance of β-O-4 structures. Introduction of a pulping solvent into lignin was plainly observed with new signals in aliphatic regions. Only the erythro β-1 structure was detected in softwood milled wood lignin from todo fir by HMQC spectra. The β-1 structure was very reactive and probably produced the stilbene structure. The β-β and β-5 structures remained in HBS lignin. The 4-O-5 structure was successfully detected by HMQC spectra, and it was found to be stable under the conditions used.