Synthesis of Bromoacetophenone Derivatives as Starting Monomers for β-O-4 Type Artificial Lignin Polymers

Abstract

Guaiacyl, syringyl, and p-hydroxyphenyl-type bromoacetophenone derivatives were synthesized as the starting materials for β-O-4 type artificial lignin polymers. They were prepared from 4-hydroxyacetophenone instead of 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, which was used in the previous investigations. The new route required 4 reaction steps. Overall yields of the monomers were 60, 79, and 68%, respectively.     

Effect of Counter Cation on Alkaline Reaction of β-O-4-Type Substructure in Lignin

This study aimed to clarify the effects of counter cations on the alkaline-induced β-O-4 bond cleavage and further reactions of β-O-4-type substructures in lignin. For this purpose, a non-phenolic β-O-4-type lignin model compound, the erythro isomer of 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-diol (veratrylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether), was treated in a 100% water solution or an aqueous methanol, ethanol, or 1,4-dioxane solution containing LiOH, NaOH, or CsOH as an alkaline source at 150?°C. The rates of β-O-4 bond cleavage were in the order of CsOH?>?NaOH?>?LiOH in all solvents. This order can rationally be attributed to the strength of the interactions between HO^– and the counter cations. Because Cs⁺ has the lowest positive charge density among the counter cations and hence interacts with HO^– most weakly, HO^– can exert its reactivity most actively in the reactions using CsOH. We also discuss how the counter cations affect the profile of reaction products.     

Contents of α-O-4 and β-O-4 Bonds in Native Lignin and Isolated Lignin Preparations

An analytical calculation method for the estimation of the contents of alkyl aryl ether bonds (α-O-4 and β-O-4) in lignin was developed. In the framework of the method, Alkyl–O–Aryl type bonds are described as coupled phenolic hydroxyls (OH_phen). The method is based on the balance equation including the free and coupled OH_phen contents in dissolved and residual lignins, on the one hand, and their respective contents in native lignin, on the other. The free OH_phen content is calculated on the basis of the OH_phen contents of dissolved and residual lignin, determined by the aminolysis method in the course of kraft cooking of softwood. The calculation results for soluble lignin preparations are in good agreement with the 13C NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectral data for the solutions. The content of Alkyl–O–Aryl bonds in native softwood (pine, spruce) lignin was estimated at 79/100 PPU (phenylpropane unit). In isolated lignin preparations, the contents of these bonds decrease in the sequence: Freudenberg lignin (71/100 PPU)> Bjorkman lignin (61/100 PPU)> Pepper lignin (44/100 PPU). Dissolved alkaline lignin still contains small amounts of Alkyl–O–Aryl bonds (36/100 PPU in soda lignin and an average of 23/100 PPU in soda-AQ lignin, kraft lignin, and kraft-AQ lignin). Residual lignin which represents the fraction of native lignin with inter-unit bonds resistant to kraft pulping contains 66/100 PPU of such bonds. A relatively high content of Alkyl–O–Aryl bonds (61/100 PPU) is preserved in technical hydrolysis lignins.     

Revisiting the Mechanism of β-O-4 Bond Cleavage during Acidolysis of Lignin. Part 2: Detailed Reaction Mechanism of a Non-Phenolic C6-C2 Type Model Compound

Abstract

The detailed reaction mechanism of a C₆-C₂ dimeric non-phenolic β-O-4 type lignin model compound, 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethanol (V′G), was examined under acidolysis conditions (mainly 0.2 mol/l HBr in 82% aqueous 1,4-dioxane at 85°C), and was suggested to be as follows. The initial elementary reaction step is protonation of the α-hydroxyl group, followed by the release of water to afford a benzyl cation intermediate (BC′). The latter step is relatively slow but reversible. The β-proton abstraction from BC′ by the solvents affords an enol ether compound, 1-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethene (EE′). This step is practically irreversible, and is the rate-determining step in the disappearance of V′G. The stereoisomers of EE′ are rapidly converted into each other, accompanied by protonation of the double bond. Complete protonation affords a β-oxymethylene cation intermediate (OMC′), which is also formed via hydride transfer from the β- to α-position of BC′ as a minor route. OMC′ preferentially undergoes the addition of water at the β-position, and the consequent β-O-4 bond cleavage affords 2-methoxyphenol and a Hibbert's monomer, 3,4-dimethoxyphenylacetaldehyde.     

Revisiting the Mechanism of β-O-4 Bond Cleavage During Acidolysis of Lignin. Part 6: A Review

ABSTRACT

This paper reviews our results on the acidolysis of dimeric non-phenolic β-O-4-type lignin model compounds in aqueous 82% 1,4-dioxane containing an acid at 85°C. It was shown that the mechanism of a C₆-C₂-type model compound, 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethanol IX, is fairly different from that of a C₆-C₃ analogue, 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-diol XX, suggesting the significance of the presence of the γ-hydroxymethyl group. It was confirmed that the hydride transfer mechanism exists as a reaction route of the benzyl-cation-type intermediates derived from both compounds, and the contribution of this mechanism is greater than expected in the acidolysis of compound XX. An enol ether compound, 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-ol, was first detected in the acidolysis of compound XX using the DBr/D₂O/1,4-dioxane system. It was confirmed in the acidolysis of compound XX using HBr that the mechanism is different from that in the system using either HCl or H₂SO₄ and an unknown mechanism contributes to the reaction. This unknown mechanism surprisingly contributed more with decreasing concentration of HBr or Br^?, provided that Br^? still existed in the system.     

A Characteristic Reaction of Lignin in Ionic Liquids; Glycelol Type Enol-Ether as the Primary Decomposition Product of β-O-4 Model Compound

Abstract

Guaiacylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether (GG), which contains a predominant inter-unit linkage of lignin, could be converted into a corresponding glycerol type enol-ether (EE), 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-2-propenol, by the heat treatment in ionic liquids. EE is believed to be the unstable intermediate of the lignin decomposition process under acidic and alkaline conditions. By contrast, EE could be isolated as a relatively stable compound from the reaction mixture of ionic liquids. EE was formed as a primary reaction product in all ionic liquids used in this research under the temperature conditions of 120°C, although the decomposition rate and secondary decomposition products of GG varied with the ionic liquid used. NMR data suggested that dehydration reaction of GG progressed stereospecifically and [Z] isomer was predominantly formed (stereoselectivety of [Z] is higher than 90%).     

Isolation of a Syringyl-β-O-4 Rich End-Wise Type Lignin Fraction from Birch Periodate Lignin

A fraction of lignin which was almost mono-disperse was isolated from an acetylated birch periodate lignin, and its chemical structure was investigated by various NMR experiments. It was proved that the fraction was composed mainly of non-phenolic syringyl-β-0-4 structures.     

Chemical Factors Underlying the More Rapid β-O-4 Bond Cleavage of Syringyl than Guaiacyl Lignin under Alkaline Delignification Conditions

This study aimed to clarify why the β-O-4 bond cleavage of syringyl lignin is more rapid than that of guaiacyl lignin under alkaline pulping conditions. We examined whether or not three chemical factors, acidity of the α-hydroxy group, nucleophilicity of the generated α-alkoxide, and leaving ability of the leaving phenoxide, are different between syringyl and guaiacyl lignins and control the rate of the alkaline-induced β-O-4 bond cleavage, employing dimeric non-phenolic β-O-4-type lignin model compounds (LMCs) and novel methods for estimating these three factors. The results indicated that the α-hydroxy groups of syringyl-type LMCs are relatively more acidic than those of guaiacyl-type and that syringyl nucleus is a better leaving group than guaiacyl nucleus in the β-O-4 bond cleavage. These factors result in the β-O-4 bond of syringyl lignin being more prone to the alkaline-induced cleavage than that of guaiacyl lignin.     

Revisiting the Mechanism of β-O-4 Bond Cleavage During Acidolysis of Lignin. Part 3: Search for the Rate-Determining Step of a Non-Phenolic C6-C3 Type Model Compound

Abstract

The rate-determining step of a C₆-C₃ dimeric non-phenolic β-O-4 type lignin model compound, 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-diol (veratrylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether, VG), was evaluated under acidolysis conditions (0.2 mol/l HBr in 82% aqueous 1,4-dioxane at 85°C) by comparing the disappearances between VG and the corresponding compound labeled at the β-position of VG, 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)(2–²H)propane-1,3-diol. The disappearance of VG occurred more rapidly than that of the latter compound, and a primary kinetic isotope effect was clearly observed. This result indicates that the C-H bond at the β-position of VG is broken in the rate-determining step. Two possible mechanisms are presented as the rate-determining step: (1) A base abstracts the β-proton of a benzyl cation-type intermediate produced from VG affording an enol ether compound, 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-ol; (2) The hydride transfers from the β- to the α-position of the benzyl cation. It was confirmed that both mechanisms certainly exist and that the latter seems to contribute more than has generally been considered.     

Absolute Configuration of β- and α-Asymmetric Carbons within β-O-4-Structures in Hardwood Lignin

In this study, we investigated the proportion of erythro- and threo-forms of β-O-4-ether structures and their enantiomeric compositions in hardwood lignin by applying the ozonation method to birch wood meal. Optical activity was not substantially observed in either the erythronic or threonic acids obtained as the ozonation products of β-O-4-structures in birch wood meal. The proportions of the four stereoisomeric forms {(αS,βR)-erythro, (αR,βR)-threo, (αS,βS)-threo, and (αR,βS)-erythro forms} were estimated to be 37-38%, 13-14%, 12-13%, and 36-37% based on the yields of erythronic and threonic acids, and on their optical activities. The proportions suggest that the entire components of β-O-4-ether structures in birch wood lignin have R- and S-configurations at the β-carbon in approximately the same quantities {(βR)-β-O-4-structure: (βS)-β-O-4-structure = 50–52:48–50}; i.e., that the β-ether structures are essentially racemic. This estimation implies that, during lignin biosynthesis, an equal number of enantiomeric forms of β-O-4-bonded quinone methides were formed by radical coupling reactions.     

Reaction of Syringylglycerol-β-Syringyl Ether Type of Lignin Model Compounds in Alkaline Medium

Reactions of three kind of syringylglycerol- β-syringyl ether type model compounds under alkaline medium were investigated. Sinapyl alcohol and β-hydroxypropiosyringone were formed as phenyl propanoid moieties from syringylglycerol- β-(methyl-syringyl) ether 1 by the β-aryl ether cleavage under soda treatment, while only sinapyl alcohol was formed from syringylglycerol- β-syringyl ether 2. The formation of both two degradation products are quite interesting because there is no nucleophilic additives in soda liquor. A possible reaction mechanisms for the β-aryl cleavage of syringylglycerol-β-syringyl ether type is homolytical cleavage via quinone methide.     

Removal of Parabens from Aqueous Solution Using β-Cyclodextrin Cross-Linked Polymer

The removal of four parabens, methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and benzyl-paraben, by β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) polymer from aqueous solution was studied. Different β-CD polymers were prepared by using two cross-linkers, i.e., hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) and toluene-2,6-diisocyanate (TDI), with various molar ratios of cross-linker. β-CD-HMDI polymer with molar ratio of 1:7 and β-CD-TDI polymer with ratio 1:4 gave the highest adsorption of parabens among the β-CD-HMDI and β-CD-TDI series, and were subsequently used for further studies. The adsorption capacity of β-CD-HMDI is 0.0305, 0.0376, 0.1854 and 0.3026 mmol/g for methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and benzyl-paraben, respectively. β-CD-TDI have higher adsorption capacities compared with β-CD-HMDI, the adsorption capacity are 0.1019, 0.1286, 0.2551, and 0.3699 mmol/g methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and benzyl-paraben respectively. The parameters studied were adsorption capacity, water retention, and reusability. Role of both cross-linker in adsorption, hydrophobicity of polymers, and adsorption capacity of different parabens were compared and discussed. All experiments were conducted in batch adsorption technique. These polymers were applied to real samples and showed positive results.     

Substituent Effects on 13C Chemical Shifts of Aromatic Carbons in β-O-4 and β-5 type Lignin Model Compounds

Abstract

Substituent effects on the chemical shifts of aromatic carbons in lignin model compounds have been elucidated from ¹³C NMR spectra of guaiacyl and syringyl type monomerio and β-O-4 model compounds and guaiacyl type β-5 model compounds. Evaluation of the observed values of substituent chemical shift (SCS) for the aromatic carbons leads to elucidation of a generalized SCS additivity rule, for estimation of the chemical shifts of aromatic carbons in ring A of β-O-4 and β-5 type substructures in model compounds and in ring B of β-O-4 substructures in lignin preparations, with errors of less than 1 ppm. The rule is applicable to substructures of both guaiacyl and syringyl types, using an appropriate parent compound as reference instead of benzene. Signals in the aromatic region of the ¹³C NMR spectra of β-O-4 and β-5 type model compounds are reassigned on the basis of the observed SCS's as well as APT spectra of the compounds.     

Removal of Nitrophenols by Adsorption Using β-Cyclodextrin Modified Zeolites

Removal of nitrophenols (NPs) from aqueous solutions through the adsorption process by using cationic β-cyclodextrin (CCD) modified zeolite (CCDMZ) was investigated. The effects of particle size, contact time, solution pH values and sodium chloride content in the aqueous on adsorption capacity were evaluated through a series of batch experiments. The results showed that CCDMZ had a higher adsorption capacity for removing NPs at a size fraction of 0.45-0.9 mm while adsorption of NPs on CCDMZ reached equilibrium within 60 min. The adsorption process was apparently influenced by pH values and sodium chloride content in aqueous solution. To ascertain the mechanisms of sorption, the experimental data were modeled by using the pseudo-first and pseudo-second order kinetic equations, and the results indicated that the adsorption kinetics of NPs on CCDMZ well-matched with the pseudo-second order rate expression.     

On the Determination of β-Aryl Ether Units in Wood Lignin by an Ozonation Method

Abstract

The determination of lignin structures by ozonation is rather unique and unlike other analytical techniques is based largely on the formation of side-chain oxidation products. Also, it can readily reveal the proportion of the two stereoisomers of β-aryl ether structures from the yields of erythronic (E) and threonic (T) acids. We have observed that the relative yields of these two acids vary significantly depending on how they are determined. For example, the E/T ratio of these two tetronic acids from the ozonation of spruce wood lignin in situ varies from 1.10 to 1.57 based on their analysis as the free acid and lactone derivatives, respectively. Thus, the work-up procedure of the reaction products is very important to the ozonation technique.     

Release of Soybean Isoflavones by Using a β-Glucosidase from Alicyclobacillus herbarius

β-Glucosidases are used in the food industry to hydrolyse glycosidic bonds in complex sugars, with enzymes sourced from extremophiles better able to tolerate the process conditions. In this work, a novel β-glycosidase from the acidophilic organism Alicyclobacillus herbarius was cloned and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). AheGH1 was stable over a broad range of pH values (5–11) and temperatures (4–55 °C). The enzyme exhibited excellent tolerance to fructose and good tolerance to glucose, retaining 65 % activity in the presence of 10 % (w/v) glucose. It also tolerated organic solvents, some of which appeared to have a stimulating effect, in particular ethanol with a 1.7-fold increase in activity at 10 % (v/v). The enzyme was then applied for the cleavage of isoflavone from isoflavone glucosides in an ethanolic extract of soy flour, to produce soy isoflavones, which constitute a valuable food supplement, full conversion was achieved within 15 min at 30 °C.     

Molecular Imprinted Polymer of Methacrylic Acid Functionalised β-Cyclodextrin for Selective Removal of 2,4-Dichlorophenol

This work describes methacrylic acid functionalized β-cyclodextrin (MAA-βCD) as a novel functional monomer in the preparation of molecular imprinted polymer (MIP MAA-βCD) for the selective removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). The polymer was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) techniques. The influence of parameters such as solution pH, contact time, temperature and initial concentrations towards removal of 2,4-DCP using MIP MAA-βCD have been evaluated. The imprinted material shows fast kinetics and the optimum pH for removal of 2,4-DCP is pH 7. Compared with the corresponding non-imprinted polymer (NIP MAA-βCD), the MIP MAA-βCD exhibited higher adsorption capacity and outstanding selectivity towards 2,4-DCP. Freundlich isotherm best fitted the adsorption equilibrium data of MIP MAA-βCD and the kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model. The calculated thermodynamic parameters showed that adsorption of 2,4-DCP was spontaneous and exothermic under the examined conditions.     

Evaluation of β-diketone-containing Polymeric Coupling Agents for Enhancing the Adhesion of Epoxy to Aluminum

β-diketone-containing polymeric coupling agents (PCA) were evaluated as potential adhesion enhancers for an epoxy/aluminum bond system. Torsional shear joint measurements revealed that the β-diketone-containing PCA did not influence the joint strength and durability, positively or negatively, as compared with untreated controls. Grazing angle infrared spectroscopy revealed that despite reactivity of the β-diketone-containing monomer with aluminum substrates, no reactivity of the β-diketone was observed once the monomer was incorporated into the polymer. Deposition studies showed that the resulting PCA coating thickness following treatment and solvent rinsing was not a function of solvent solubility parameter, solution concentration, or immersion time. It was hypothesized that preferential physisorption of the phenyl and/or epoxy functionalities in the PCA inhibited reactivity of the β-diketone functionality.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Evaluation of Gel‐Type Poly(4‐Vinylpyridine) Resins for Plutonium Sorption

Abstract

Three different cross‐linked (4, 8, and 12%) gel‐type strong‐base poly(4‐vinylpyridine) resins (PVP) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, exchange capacity, and moisture content. The uptake of plutonium and uranium was measured as a function of nitric acid concentration using all the three PVP resins. Plutonium sorption and elution kinetics experiments were also performed on all three PVP resins and compared with the benchmark, a gel‐type quarternary ammonium type anion‐exchange resin. The plutonium sorption rate decreases with the increase in cross‐linkage of the resin. All the three PVP resins exhibit better elution kinetics compared to the benchmark. The results on kinetic experiments performed on all three‐gel‐type resins indicated 8% gel‐type PVP resin with 50–100 mesh as a better candidate for plutonium processing or purification. Radiation degradation studies were carried out on the 8% PVP resin by gamma irradiation up to 200 MRad. The irradiated resins were characterized by IR, TGA, and SEM.

The exchange capacity, moisture content, and plutonium uptake were also evaluated for the irradiated PVP resins in comparison with the benchmark. The results indicated a better radiation stability for PVP resin over the benchmark.