Stable Isotope Tracer Methods in Lignin Research (Laboratory Manual for a Beginner)

Abstract

Synthetic methods for ¹³C-labeled monolignol glycosides (coniferin, syringin and p-glucocoumaryl alcohol), with the label on the α-, β-, or γ-carbon of the side chain or 4-, 5-, 3-, or 1-carbon in the aromatic ring, are described. Synthetic procedures are given for dehydrogenation polymers (DHPs) from the coniferin and ¹³C-enriched cell wall-DHPs using isolated tree soft parts. Experimental procedures are also described for the ¹³C-enrichment of specific carbon atoms of cell wall lignin by feeding the ¹³C-labeled coniferin to ginkgo tree shoot. A beginner’s guide to these chemical experiments is included.