Structural elucidation of lignins

We developed quantitative 2D-HSQC analysis for lignins (QQ-HSQC and HSQC0). By the use of the guaiacyl C2-H correlation peak as an internal standard for the aromatic units in guaiacyl lignins, with this analytical protocol it is possible to quantify the single interunit bondings present in lignins. Together with standardised quantitative 31P NMR analysis and optimized GPC analyses, it is possible to arrive at a rather complete structural idea of a given lignin.


C. Crestini, F. Melone, M. Sette, R. Saladino
Milled wood lignin: A linear oligomer.
Biomacromolecules, 2011, 12, 3928-3935. 

 M. Sette, H. Lange, C. Crestini
Quantitative HSQC analysis of lignin: a practical comparison.
Comput. Struct. Biotechnol. J. 2013; 6, e201303016.