Structure elucidation of soil macromolecular lipids by preparative pyrolysis and thermochemolysis

The structure of macromolecular lipids from an acid anmoor soil was investigated using preparative pyrolysis and thermochemolysis. The matrix is formed by cross-linked aliphatic chains. Alkanols, triterpenoid alcohols e.g. alpha-amyrin, sterols, stanols can be bound to the matrix via ether or ester groups. Fatty acids can be incorporated through esterification. Dicarboxylic acids and other compounds such as hydroxyacids represent alkyl bridges between the polymethylene chains. Various components are trapped in the macromolecular network. The two techniques give complementary results. Despite higher yields, thermochemolysis does not permit one to distinguish between methyl ester groups present in the structure and methyl ester groups formed on degradation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.