Moss Pigments. 5. Studies of Phenolic Cell Wall Polymers in Sphagnum nemoreum.

Abstract

The alkali degradation and alkaline cupric hydroxide oxidation products of red and brown phenolic cell wall polymers from Sphagnum nemoreum Scop. have been studied. Alkali degradation gives several phenols of which phloroglucinol, orcinol, and resorcinol have been identified. Cupric hydroxide oxidation gives molar ratios (p-hydroxyphenyl/guaiacyl) 2:1 for the red polymer and 2.5:1 for the brown polymer. p-Hydroxyacetophenone, p-hydroxy-benzaldehyde, acetovanillone, and vanillin have been separated by thin layer chromatography and determined by quantitative spectro-photometry. Some spectral properties are discussed and general aspects of the "Sphagnum lignin" given.