Distribution of Lignin Derivatives in Plants

Summary Acetovanillone, p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, syringic aldehyde and vanillin were prepared from a range of gymnosperm, angiosperm, pteridophyte and bryophyte lignins by alkaline oxidation. The major lignin oxidation product of gymnosperms is vanillin; that of angiosperms is syringic aldehyde. The latter is more widespread than previously thought. Its identification seems to be linked in most cases to the presence of fibres in the plant tissues analyzed. The differentiation of gymnosperm and angiosperm plant groups on these oxidation products is discussed. It is proposed that the lignin of fibre walls is the reason for these differences.