Quantitative lignin analysis

Paper in proceeding, 2004

Literature reports regarding the quantitative contribution of different types of structural elements in lignins are often contradictionary and controversial. Analytical methods based on the use of particular reagents, spectroscopy and studies of lignin degradation products are evalued. The problems related to quantitative lignin analysis are discussed based on a series of concrete examples (reduction with sodium borohydride, NMR spectroscopy and studies of degardation products from permanganate oxidation).