Classification of chemicals in black locust Robinia pseudoacacia wood and bark

Abstract

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a native tree in southeastern United States. The wood from this tree is known for resistance to decay and excellent longevity even in soil contact. It is a durable species used for fence post material. It is also known for the stilbene chemicals resveratrol and piceatannol. These chemicals exhibit biological activities, mainly antioxidant properties. Identifying the chemicals that contribute to the durability of black locust could lead to the development of relevant medicinal alternatives and other products. In this study, black locust wood and bark were extracted using acetone–water solutions. Using the extractions, we analyzed mixtures from the bark and wood. Two-dimensional gas chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS) Pegasus BT 4D was used to characterize and identify the chemical composition of the extracts. The chemicals were categorized based on their functionality. The chemicals identified were separated into two categories, those shared by both wood and bark and those not shared. The extractions had some of the same chemicals as identified in the NIST and Wiley libraries. After the chemicals were categorized, we were able to determine which chemicals were specific to wood and bark.

Citation

Moore, Roderquita K.; Mann, Doreen. 2020. Classification of chemicals in black locust Robinia pseudoacacia wood and bark. Res. Note FPL-RN-0386. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 11 p.