Abstract
Lignin is one of the most abundant renewable materials. It has perfect biodegradability in soil. This biodegradation proceeds oxidatively and reductively. In order to utilize along the material flow in the ecosystem, it is important to obtain information for oxidative and reductive responses of lignophenols, which were synthesized through the phase-separation system. Lignocresol was synthesized from Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) through the phase-separation system with 72% H2SO4 and p-cresol. Responses under both oxidation and reduction environments were estimated by FT-IR, TGA and TMA. Both lignocresol and wood meals were oxidized with sodium periodate. FT-IR spectra of oxidized lignocresol indicated the formation of muconic acid type structures. FT-IR spectra of lignocresol derived from oxidized wood meals indicated the phenolation of conjugated carbonyl structures. Thermal stability of lignophenols was improved by the reduction treatments with sodium borohydride.
