The following catechol compounds were identified in pine kraft black liquor: Catechol, 7 alkylcatechols, 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, 3,4-dihydroxyacetophenone, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-l-propanol, and 3 a-hydroxy-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-alkanoic acids.Their total amount corresponded to about 46 g/100 kg wood, of which catechol constituted the major pari. Catechol was mainly formed during the heating-up period, whereas the formation of other compounds was more pronounced during the later stages. Their formation from both lignin and carbohydrates is discussed.