Lignin, Copolymerization Phenol

Liu J, Yang F, Xian M et al (2001) Molecular weight and distribution of the copolymer of lignin/phenol in the copolymerization catalyzed by peroxidase. Macromol Chem Phys 202 840-848... 

XS = sulfonation, M = methylolation, MO = miscellaneous oxidation, G = grafting, P = phenolation, CM = carboxymethylation, MAC = maleic anhydride copolymerization, MCR = miscellaneous carboxyla-tion reactions, E = epichlorohydrin (also in conjunction with pheno-lated lignin), A = alkoxylation (i.e., ethylene, propylene, and butylene oxides), M+EP = modification with compounds containing unsaturated end groups ( divalent hydrocarbons ) followed by epoxidation with peroxide, MA = methacrylic acid. 

The chemical participation of lignin macromonomers in polymerization or copolymerization reactions has been focussed mostly on the reactivity of both types of OH groups, and hence in the synthesis of polyesters, polyurethanes and polyethers, although some research has also dealt with their intervention through the unsubstituted aromatic sites in different formaldehyde-based resins in partial replacement of phenol [58, 59]. 

Altogether, there have been only a few studies published dealing with the copolymerization behavior of distinct phenols, and usually the characterization of the copolymers was not fully examined. An early study of copolymerizations between different phenols and anifines can be found, wherein the copolymer compositions were characterized by elemental analysis [78]. In addition, monomeric phenols have been copolymerized with phenol polymers. This procedure offers, for example, an interesting way to turn fignin, a polymeric by-product from the pulp and paper industry, into a technical material. Lignin was reacted with phenol in an HRP-catalyzed copolymerization to produce lignin phenolic resins [117]. 

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