Gel Permeation Chromatography of Polymers from Wood

Abstract Polymers from wood, including cellulose via the methylol derivative, are soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). To perform gel permeation chromatography of these high polymers, a packing material was sought which combined adequate pore size with stability in DMSO. Contrary to recommended practice, it was discovered that gel permeation chromatography in DMSO can be performed on prepacked, high-performance columns of μ-Styragel without adverse effects from bead swelling. When using the methylol derivative of cellulose, it is necessary to freeze dry the reaction mixture to obtain a product which gives reproducible results from gel permeation chromatography.