Molecular Size Distribution of Lignin in Wood

Abstract

THE macromolecular structure of lignin in wood is an important object of current controversy. Some workers consider lignin to be a chemically homogeneous, three-dimensional polymer whose molecular size is “infinite”, that is, limited only by the amount present. Others believe that lignin is a finite heteropolymer whose individual molecules differ in molecular size and chemical structure according to their location within wood cell walls. The ability to distinguish between these alternatives requires that lignin be isolated nearly quantitatively from morphologically distinct regions within wood cell walls without significant alteration.