Alkaline permanganate oxidation of methylated humic acids

Abstract

The composition of the oxidation products from methylated humic acids of different origins was investigated by g.l.c., yielding structural information additional to that obtainable by oxidation of unprotected humic acids. The yield of methoxy aromatic acids decreased with increasing coalification of the starting materials. From the oxidation of humic acids from soil, peat and lignite, a series of methoxy benzoic acids was obtained which was similar to lignin degradation products. Slightly transformed fragments of the lignin molecule apparently took part in the formation of these humic acids.