Studies on Lignin

Part IX. Model Studies related Mercaptolysis

Abstract

Reactivity of several lignin model compounds with ethyl mercaptan in acid media has been studied. Benzyl alcoholic hydroxyl groups and ethers were found to react readily to form thioethers. On the other hand, alcoholic hydroxyl group at β-position of phenylpropane side chain did not react unless α-position was ketonic group. As to carbonyl groups, ketonic groups at α-position of the side chain were found to be very inactive, while that of β-position readily reacted with mercaptan to form mercaptole.