Features of stable radical generation in lignin on exposure to nitrogen dioxide

The mechanism of stable radical generation in lignin under the action of nitrogen dioxide and NO₂ - air mixture is considered. The formation of phenoxyl, iminoxyl and acylaminoxyl radicals has been detected by EPR. The proposed mechanism involves a primary oxidative reaction of phenol groups with dimers of NO₂ (nitrosyl nitrate) resulting in the formation of phenoxyl radicals and nitric oxide. In the subsequent recombination of phenoxyl radicals and nitric oxide, nitroso compounds and oximes are formed. By reaction of oximes with radicals NO₂, stable iminoxyl radicals are formed. This mechanism is confirmed by kinetic dependencies obtained over a wide range of NO₂ concentrations. From IR spectroscopy measurements it follows that hydroxyl groups of non-phenolic structures of lignin are oxidised to aldehydes producing acylaminoxyl radicals by reaction with NO₂. The kinetic data show that the adsorption of NO₂ on the lignin surface is the rate-determining factor in stable radical formation.