A large number of cellulose derivatives are known and commercially available, e.g., cellulose acetate, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxyethylcellulose. In this work, two sets of reactions will be described that can potentially enhance the value of these cellulosic derivatives. As an example, these reactions have been applied to methyl cellulose, an industrial polymer used in adhesives, protective coatings, personal care, and agriculture. In the first case, it has been shown that agricultural residues such as wheat straw, barley straw, and rice hull can be converted to methyl cellulose. Weight yields range from 30 to 70%; the degree of substitution (DS) varies from 0.8 - 2.8. In addition, the methyl cellulose can be further converted to acetylated methyl cellulose, with the possibility for additional uses. In the second case, an alternative, simplified synthesis of methyl cellulose is reported, using microwave irradiation and aqueous alkaline medium. No alcohol is needed during the reaction and the reaction time is less than 30 minutes. The resulting polymers have been fully characterized by NMR.Figure 1. Simplified scheme for the product development of cellulosic derivatives

Green-chemistry synthesis of cellulosic derivatives

248th National Meeting (2014)

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