PyroJysis denvatization of hurnic substances l. Pyrolysis of fulvic acids in the presence of tetrarnethylarnrnoniurn hydroxide

Pyrograms of Ihree fulvic acids (FAs) or ditferenl origins and Ihe corresponding pyrosrams obtaincd by reactive pyrolysis wilh Iclramclhylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) are compared. Thi! proc.cdure inlroduces bolh slriking qualilalive and quanlilalive changes in lhe pyrolylic pallems of Ihe FAs. which are discussed in lerms of Ihe usefulness of Ihis approach lo slructural sludies. Sorne non·pyrolysis compounds (probably relained in Ihe macromolecular fulvic malrix) seem lo be released when Ihe FAs are pyrolysed in lhe presrnce of TMAH. A se{ of benzenecarboxylic acid slandards was also pyrolysed bolh in lhe abscnce and in Ihe prcscncc: oC TMAH. The resulls oblained suggcsl a lhennally assisled chemolysis ralher Ihan i" s;/u melhylalioD of lhe pyrolysis produclS.