Chemical characterization of lignin and lipophilic fractions from leaf fibers of curaua (Ananas erectifolius)

Abstract

E-mail: [email protected] (J.C. del Río)The chemical composition of leaf fibers of curaua (Ananas erectifolius), an herbaceous plant native of Amazonia, was studied. Special attention was paid to the content and composition of lignin and lipophilic compounds. The analysis of lignin in the curaua fibers was performed “in situ” by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and showed a lignin composition with a p-hydroxyphenyl:guaiacyl:syringyl units (H:G:S) molar proportion of 30:29:41 (S/G molar ratio of 1.4). The presence of p-hydroxycinnamic acids (p-coumaric and ferulic acids) in curaua fibers was revealed upon pyrolysis in the presence of tetramethylammonium hydroxide. On the other hand, the main lipophilic compounds, analysed by GC/MS, were series of long-chain n-fatty acids, n-fatty alcohols, α- and ω-hydroxyacids, monoglycerides, sterols and waxes. Other compounds, such as ω-hydroxy monoesters and ω-hydroxy acylesters of glycerol were also found in this fiber in high amounts.Peer reviewe