The chemistry of cellulosic key chromophores is challenging because of the usually very low concentration of the colored compounds in real-world cellulosic matrices. It offers many rewards and positive outcomes; unfortunately there are also surprises, pitfalls, and disappointments. This report discusses examples or surprising chemistry out of the realm of cellulosic key chromophores. The reactions have either taken unforeseen paths or provided unexpected products. The reaction mechanisms of the “strange” processes are described and the unexpected products are comprehensively analytically characterized. Given that the seemingly obvious approaches have failed, alternatives for obtaining the desired products are provided, wherever possible.

Pitfalls in the chemistry of cellulosic chromophores

2019 Spring National Meeting

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