Synthesis of Lignin Monomers

By: Alexandria N. Tibbs

Introduction

Lignin is the second most abundant organic polymer. It is found in plants, majorly in trees. Its function is to serve in the assistance of water flow throughout the plant. It forms a barrier for the evaporation, trapping the water inside.

The structure of lignin is composed of the seemingly random combination of three monomers: p-coumaryl alcohol, coniferyl alcohol, and sinapyl alcohol.

Lignin Precursors

Materials

Diisobutylaluminum hydride solution (25 wt.% in toluene)

Product Number: 192724-100G

Quantity: 2

Price: $52.20

Toluene (Anhydrous, 99.8%)

Product Number: 244511-1L

Quantity: 1

Price: $60.50

References

Lignin Biosynthesis and Structure

Oxidative Coupling during Lignin Polymerization is Determined by Unpaired Electron Delocalization within Parent Phenylpropanoid Radicals

[Overview from Lignin and Lignans: Advances in Chemistry]

Facile Large-Scale Synthesis of Coniferyl, Sinapyl, and p-Coumaryl Alcohol