Thermal and chemical properties of benzene-alcohol extractives from two species of redwood

Redwood, the most valuable commercial wood species in the world, has become one of the scarce natural resources currently. In order to exploit the comprehensive utilization of redwood, the thermal and chemical properties of benzene and alcohol extractives from two main redwood species, Pterocarpus macarocarpus Kurz and Dalbergia cochinchinensis Pierre, were investigated using Fourier Ttransform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermo Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS). Results showed that both the extractives contained O-H stretch, methylene/methyl vibrations, C=C stretch and aromatic ring breathing mode stretch by FIIR. It was indicated by TG test that the maximum weight loss rate of the extractives of the two redwood occurred at 257 °C and 308 °C respectively. GC-MS analysis exhibited that the extractives of P. macarocarpus Kurz contained ketones, phenols, esters, acids, alcohols and other substances, which were concentrated in alcohols, olefins, naphthalene and ketones. The extractives of D. cochinchinensis Pierre contained furans, alcohols, aldehydes, phenols, ketones and other substances. Among these extractives, the principal compounds were ketones, acids, alcohols and amines.