Characterization and Potential Utilization of Extracts and Pyrolyzates from Jasminum nudiflorum Lindl. Bark

Abstract Utilization of lignocellulosic biomass is increasingly important. Jasminum nudiflorum Lindl. (JNL) is a widely cultivated landscape plant in China. To evaluate the chemical components, pyrolysis characteristics as well as the potential values of JNL bark for utilization, the components were extracted using methanol, ethanol, and benzene/ethanol (2:1, v/v) and pyrolyzed from room temperature to 300 °C, respectively. Many components were detected in the extracts and the pyrolyzates of JNL bark and their chemical properties were analyzed. The compounds identified in the extracts and the pyrolyzates of JNL bark included acids, aldehydes, alcohols, esters, ketones, aromatics, saccharides, olefins, and nitrogen-containing compounds. Some of the identified compounds, such as urs-12-en-28-al, 3-(acetyloxy)-, (3.beta.)-, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and vanillin, are widely used in the medical, energy, and food industries. The pyrolysis of JNL bark using thermogravimetric (TG) analyzer showed the highest reaction rate occurred at between 200 and 300 °C where the maximum mass loss was observed. According to the Coats-Redfern method, the calculated apparent activation energy (E) and pre-exponential factor (A) of the pyrolysis process of JNL bark were 52.04 kJ mol−1 and 3.14 × 105  min−1, respectively. This research provides information on the components and pyrolysis characteristics of JNL bark, which shows great potential for application in medical, food, and chemical industries.