HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Stevenson, F. J. Articles by Swaby, R. J. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Stevenson, F. J. Articles by Swaby, R. J. Agricola Articles by Stevenson, F. J. Articles by Swaby, R. J.

Nitrosation of Soil Organic Matter: I. Nature of Gases Evolved During Nitrous Acid Treatment of Lignins and Humic Substances¹

ABSTRACT

Manometric and infrared studies of the gaseous products formed by reacting HNO₂ with humic and fulvic acids, lignins. lignin-building units, and polyphenols showed the presence of N₂, N₂O, and CO₂. In addition, methyl nitrite (CH₃ONO) occurred in the gases obtained from lignins and certain phenolic derivatives. The CH₃ONO originated through dismutation of phenolic ethers; the CO₂ from decarboxylation of aromatic acids and cleavage of ring structures. Aromatic-like substances interfere with the determination of free amino groups in soil organic matter by the Van Slyke nitrous acid method.

¹ Contribution from the Department of Agronomy, University of Illinois, Urbana, and the Division of Soils, C.S.I.R.O., Adelaide, South Australia. The work was carried out while the senior author was in Australia as a Fulbright Research Scholar. Appreciation is expressed to Miss Grace Banos for performing many of the determinations.

² Professor of Soil Chemistry, University of Illinois, and Head of Soil Microbiology Section, Division of Soils, C.S.I.R.O., Adelaide, South Australia.

Received for publication April 10, 1964. Accepted for publication May 14, 1964.