THE CHEMISTRY AND KINETIC-BEHAVIOR OF FE(III) REACTIONS WITH WOOD MODEL COMPOUNDS AND PINE WOOD

The reactions of Fe(III) compounds such as Fe(NO3)3 with wood constitu ents has been investigated by using both simple model compounds and wo od flour. After an initial very rapid adsorption Fe3+ appears to compl ex with the guaiacyl-like moieties of lignin. The type of complex most likely to be formed is described and conformations of minimum total e nergy presented. Fe(NO3)3 also reacts with wood carbohydrates, but onl y at elevated temperature, the main reaction being the reduction of Fe 3+ to Fe2+ compounds. The reactions rate constants and their law of de pendence from the temperature are presented. The correspondence betwee n reactions with model compounds and with wood using wood flour are as certained. The macroeffect representing the reactions occurring at the molecular level has been quantified on the basis of the water repelle ncy and dimensional stability imparted to the timber treated with Fe(N O3)3.