ARS | Publication request: Iodine-Catalyzed Synthesis of Mixed Cellulose Esters

Submitted to: Polymer Preprints
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: April 2, 2010
Publication Date: August 1, 2010
Citation: Cheng, H.N., Dowd, M.K., Shogren, R.L., Biswas, A. 2010. Iodine-Catalyzed Synthesis of Mixed Cellulose Esters. Polymer Preprints. 51(2):29-30.

Interpretive Summary: Cellulose, earth's most abundant biopolymers, is of tremendous economic importance. Over 90% of cotton and 50% of wood are made of cellulose. Wood and cotton are the major resources for all cellulose products such as paper, textiles, construction materials, cardboard, as well as such cellulose derivatives as cellophane, rayon, and cellulose acetate. Esterification of cellulose is a well-known reaction that provides relatively facile transformations of cellulose, a common bio-based raw material. Many cellulose esters have been prepared over the years. The ones with commercial impact include cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB). CA is one of the most important cellulose derivatives and is used widely in films, coatings, textiles and cigarette filters. CAP finds applications in printing inks, varnishes, nail lacquers, and drug delivery. CAB is used in coatings, cosmetics, personal care, and drug delivery.

Technical Abstract: A novel method for the preparation of cellulose mixed acetate is described herein, involving the concurrent use of iodine and mixed anhydride. The method is simple, rapid, efficient, and solvent-less. With this method, cellulose mixed esters has been synthesized.