The phenolic fraction of wood smoke consists
of about 250 components, with 85 of
them identifi ed. Phenols are formed primarily
due to pyrolysis and oxidation of lignin,
at comparatively low temperature (200 –
400 ° C), and cellulose at 700 ° C. The total
contents of phenols depend on the kind of
wood, temperature, and the density of the
analyzed smoke. According to different data,
it may be from 10 to 200 mg/m 3
; the yield of
phenols from 100 g of wood ranges from 50
to 5000 mg. This fraction includes compounds
containing one, two, or three hydroxyl
groups bound to the benzene ring, besides
alkyl or ether derivatives, as well as those
containing additional alcohol, aldehyde, acid,
and ester groups. Therefore, they differ in
water solubility, boiling point, sensitivity to
oxidation, chemical reactivity, sensory properties,
and antibacterial activity. Among the
identifi ed phenols, those present in the
highest concentrations are syringol, guaiacol,