OFF-LINE THERMOCHEMOLYSIS VERSUS FLASH PYROLYSIS FOR THE IN-SITU METHYLATION OF LIGNIN - IS PYROLYSIS NECESSARY

Lignin, a major biopolymer in vascular plants, is shown to undergo the rmochemolysis reactions when subjected to flash pyrolysis with in situ methylation using tetramethylammonium hydroxide. The product distribu tion, composed of methylated lignin monomers, implies that the thermoc hemolysis involves cleavage of the beta-O-4 ether bonds in the lignin. Because thermochemolysis occurs with equal effectiveness at sub-pyrol ysis temperatures of 300 degrees C, we conclude that the analytical me thod does not require use of specialized pyrolysis equipment, and can be implemented in a batch mode in which internal standards can be adde d and the products quantified.