Syringol (Syr)

Syringol is a naturally occurring dimethyl ether of pyrogallol. Together with guaiacol, syringol and its derivates are characteristic products of pyrolysis of lignin, being derived from the thermal decomposition of the Sinapyl alcohol monomer. As such, syringol is an important component of wood smoke. In preparation of food by smoking, syringol is the main chemical responsible for the smoky aroma, while guaiacol contributes mainly to taste. Artificial liquid or solid smoke flavorings also contain the chemical, on average composing 13.73% and 13.42% of those products by mass respectively. Pyrolysis oil, a biofuel derived from woody biomass, can be optimized to yield syringol as a byproduct, potentially replacing demand for petroleum derived phenols. For instance, studies indicate that syringol can serve as a substitute feedstock for phenol formaldehyde resin, a commonly used, water resistant adhesive for plywood.