Extraction of flax shive using sodium ethoxide catalyst in anhydrous ethanol

► Phenolic compounds were extracted from flax shive using sodium ethoxide in ethanol. ► Results compared to conventional aqueous sodium hydroxide extraction. ► The yield of extracted compounds was higher for sodium ethoxide-based extracts. ► No methyl ether containing phenolic compounds in ethanol extraction. ► Model compounds confirmed transesterification with no effect on methyl ether groups.