Electrochemical synthesis of polyfunctional lignins

A series of polyfunctional lignins that comprise -F, -Cl, and -NO 2 groups were synthesized at platinum electrodes in aqueous electrolytes. With UV and IR spectroscopy and functional analysis, it was shown that deep oxidative degradation of lignin macromolecules occurs during electrochemical modification. This process is accompanied by decreasing molecular weights and degree of aromaticity, and by accumulation of carboxyl and carbonyl groups. The lignin synthesized are highly active components for polymers