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Document Number

926

Primary Title

Electron Transfer Reactions in Pulping Systems (II): Electrochemistry of Anthraquinone/Lignin Model Quinonemethides

Author Name

Dimmel, D. R.;Perry, L. F.;Palasz, P. D.;Chum, H. L.

Author Affiliation

Inst. of Paper Chemistry, Appleton, WI;Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO

Published Date

01/01/1985

Detailed Publish Date

1985

Title Source

Journal of Wood Chemistry and Technology

Volume Number

5

Issue Number

1

Page Range

15-36

Page Count

22

Document Type

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Abstract

Electron transfer reactions have been observed during the electrolyses of solutions containing antrhaquinone and B-aryl ether lignin model quinonemethides. In dry acetonitrile at a reduction potential of -0.9V (vs. Ag/AgCL0 electrons are transferred from the electrode to anthraquinone (AQ) to form stable anthrahydroquinone radical anions (AHQ-). The lignin model quinonemethides are not reduced directly at the electrode at this potential but are reduced by AHQ- to give quinonemethide radical anions (QM-) and AQ. The QM- species rapidly fragment at their B-aryl ether bond to give phenolate ions and radicals; the latter further reduces to another phenolate ion. For example, the B-methyl lignin model QM 1 give guaiacol and isoeugenol upon electrolysis at -0.9 V in the presence of AQ. In wet acetonitrile, reduction of AQ at -0.9 V leads to both anthrahydroquinone radical anion and dianion; the dianion is formed by direct electrolysis of the radical anion and by disporportionation of the radical anion. Under all conditions and substrates examined, electron transfer reactions proceeded in preference to bond formation reactions which would generate "adducts." The implication of these results is that it should be possible to delignify wood by electron transfer reactions and that anthraquinone probably functions this way.

Copyright Status

Y - Copyrighted--no reprint permission,

Document Owner

B