Ozonation of a lignin-carbohydrate complex model compound of the benzyl ether type

Evidence for the presence of lignin-carbohydrate bonds of the benzylic ethe r type in wood and pulps may be obtained by use of ozonation treatment to s electively degrade the lignin. It was found that the benzyl ether bond in 3 - (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2- (2-methoxy-phenoxy) -3-(methyl-beta-D-gluc opyranosid-6-O-yl)-1-propanol was rather stable during ozonation in acetic acid-water-methanol 16:3:1 a t0 degrees C. The corresponding acid, 3,4-dihy droxy-2-(methyl-beta-D-glucopyranosid-6-O-yl)-butanoic acid, was found to b e the major reaction product. The use of ozonation followed by acid hydroly sis in connection with studies of lignin-carbohydrate linkages is briefly d iscussed.