The several types of lignin samples (birch, spruce and 'model' lignin)
were investigated by laser desorption (LD) Fourier-transform mass spe
ctrometry. In the vapor phase under LD conditions, the investigated li
gnins prefer to form negative ions of the individual oligomers at well
defined mass spacings. Three sequences with Delta m=444 confirm the e
xistence of the stable trimer building blocks in the spruce and 'model
' lignin.