Lignin Analysis by HPLC and FTIR

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is a simple non-destructive technique which allows the user to obtain quick and accurate information about the structure of the constituents of wood. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is an analytical technique useful to determine the ratio of the lignin monomers obtained by the alkaline nitrobenzene oxidation method. Furthermore, lignin content has been commonly determined by wet chemical methods; Klason lignin determination is a quick and accessible method. Here, we detail the procedures for chemical analysis of the wood lignin using these techniques.