Using Fractionation and Diffusion Ordered Spectroscopy to Study Lignin Molecular Weight

Recent reports demonstrate that applications of the biopolymer lignin can be helped by the use of a fraction of the lignin which has an optimal molecular weight range. Unfortunately, the current methods used to determine lignin's molecular weight are inconsistent or not widely accessible. Here, an approach that relies on 2D DOSY NMR analysis is described that provides a measure of lignin's molecular weight. Consistent results were obtained using this well‐established NMR technique across a range of lignins. Evening the playing field: Using DOSY NMR and the Mark Houwink Sakurada relationship to streamline access to reproducible lignin molecular weight estimations.