The determination of lignin

Abstract

THE determination of lignin, though apparently a simple matter, is one of the least satisfactory of the analyses commonly carried out on plant materials and woods. Practically all the methods generally used involve the solution and hydrolysis of all other plant constituents and the assumption that the residue after such treatment is exclusively lignin. Various workers from time to time have pointed out that this is not the case, but in spite of this vital objection, considerable reliance has been placed on figures so obtained. There has similarly been some conflict as to the precise procedure to be adopted, inasmuch as different values are given by different methods. The reasons for these differences have not usually been given and are little understood.