Lignin samples from wheat straw, orchard grass, red clover and a synthetic lignin were subjected to pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry using both quadrupole (QMS) and ion-trap detector (ITD). ITD mass spectra were comparable with those presented in the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) library and with those obtained by QMS as evaluated by discrepancy factors. Computer-assisted library searches for ITD spectra were successful for 22 of 47 compounds. The other 25 compounds were not present in the library. A typical program and mass spectra are shown. Statistical data are discussed.