STUDIES ON THE COMPOSITION OF PINUS-PINASTER FOLIAGE

With a view to their possible exploitation, the composition of Pinus p inaster leaves was studied, with the following results: ash content, 3 .08% w/w; proteins, 7.45%; Klason lignin, 24.36%; polysaccharides, 34. 93%; waxes, 11.68% (determined as the combined hexane- and benzene-ext ractable fractions); and components extracted by polar organic solvent s, water and NaOH solution, 46.81%. This final fraction, the most abun dant and the most interesting as regards exploitation of this material , was principally comprised of polyhydroxy polyphenols. These can form polymeric gels with formaldehyde, and are thus potential substitutes for phenol in the manufacture of adhesives.