The model compound used in this study, for hardwood kraft lignin, 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl ethane, was successfully hydroxymethylated at the position meta to the aromatic hydroxy group. The consequent expectation that kraft hardwood lignin syringyl units can, under optimum conditions, also be hydroxymethylated to a substantial extent was confirmed in the present work and made it possible to cross-link the kraft hardwood lignin to yield polymeric products that could be used as adhesives.