Wood from Angiosperms and Gymnosperms Shows Distinctive Lignin Peaks in Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) Mass Spectra

A data set was constructed consisting of 3021 mass spectra randomly selected from the ForeST© (Forensic Spectra of Trees) database of mass spectra for wood analyzed by Direct Analysis in Real Time ionization coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DART-TOFMS). Clear and reproducible differences were observed between the lignin peaks for angiosperms and gymnosperms, with DART-TOFMS spectra of angiosperms showing significantly higher abundances for peaks associated with syringyl subunits. These differences can be used to provide support for enforcing trade laws by accurately identifying the source of finished wood products when anatomical differences are not present.