Chemical modification of cellulose to prepare mutifunctional cellulose derivatives could enable the utilization of cellulose in various promising applications. However, the use of toxic reagents and the generation of large amounts of waste in the chemical reaction, which is contrary to the requirements of “sustainable development”. Here, we reported a simple modification method based on hydroxyl-yne click chemistry to functionalize cellulose with novel properties. 1-Phenyl-2-propyn-1-one was attached onto the backbone of ethyl cellulose with the help of 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) under room temperature. The chemical structure of prepared ethyl cellulose phenyl propyl ketene ether (ECPPK) was confirmed by <sup>1</sup>HNMR, <sup>13</sup>C NMR and FTIR which showed the existence of aromatic rings and the newly formed vinyl ether linkage (-C-O-C=C-) in the prepared EC ethers. After modification, the EC films showed excellent UV-properties (nearly 100% shielding ratio) as well as fluorescence properties under upon visible light excitation (420 nm). This facile method provides a more sustainable strategy and enlarge more potential application value for cellulosic materials.

Novel cellulose ethers with excellent UV blocking and fluorescence properties via hydroxyl-yne click reaction

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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