After that, benzyl thiolate anions are formed when hydrogen sulfide ions attack the alpha-carbon atoms of ether bonds. Then, unbound phenolic groups are formed when the beta-phenolate anion is liberated from the benzyl thiolate. These unbound phenolic groups will give quinone methide. This process is repeated continuously to break the ether bond and produce lower molecular weight and soluble lignin fragments. The process's final step can involve the formation of carbon-carbon bonds, which usually entail a condensation reaction and yields a robust lignin complex. The resultant lignin is neutral and hydrophobic and contains 1% sulfur, 14% methoxy, 10% aliphatic, and 2 to 5% phenolic and carboxylic groups .