Organic superbase carboxylate salts (ionic liquids, SBILs) allow for efficient dissolution of various types of biopolymers from polysaccharides to lignin or proteins. These solvents also allow for fast regeneration of the dissolved material which led to development of IONCELL process to produce textile fibers from various cellulosic materials, like wood pulp. From organic superbases, family of bicyclic guanidine SBILs show generally good results both in dissolution power and mechanical properties of the regenerated fibers. Nevertheless, both guanidine and amidine superbase salts generally undergo slow hydrolysis, even as carboxylate salts. We have prepared a series of bicyclic guanidine structures with varying ring sizes and substitution patterns and some of these new structures tolerate aqueous conditions even as free bases, while the corresponding SBILs show low toxicity and high dissolution efficiency for cellulose.<br/><br/>A unique property of the SBILs is that varying the acid/base rattio, and the nature of the anion, it is possible to adjust the cellulose solution properties from high bacisity to slightly acidic.This property has allowed for novel reaction pathways for cellulose modification. Typically, the reaction yields are high and the DS of the product can be adjusted at wide range.

Organic superbase salts for dissolution, modification and regeneration of biopolymers

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.