Quantitative 31P NMR analysis of solid wood offers an insight into the acetylation of its components.

As a solid substrate, wood and its components are almost invariably examined via spectroscopic or indirect methods of analysis. Unlike earlier approaches, in this effort we dissolve pulverized wood in ionic liquid and then directly derive its functional group contents by quantitative (31)P NMR. As such, this novel analytical methodology is thoroughly examined and an insight into the detailed way acetylation proceeds on solid wood and its components is provided as a function of wood density and within its various anatomical features.