A physical organic chemistry approach to dissolution of cellulose: effects of cellulose mercerization on its properties and on the kinetics of its decrystallization

The effects of alkali treatment on the structural characteristics of cotton linters and sisal cellulose samples have been studied. Mercerization results in a decrease in the indices of crystallinity and the degrees of polymerization, and an increase in the alpha-cellulose contents of the samples. The relevance of the structural properties of cellulose to its dissolution is probed by studying the kinetics of cellulose decrystallization, prior to its solubilization in LiCl/N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc). Our data show that the decrystallization rate constants and activation parameters are only slightly dependent on the physico-chemical properties of the starting celluloses. This multi-step reaction is accompanied by a small enthalpy and large, negative, entropy of activation. These results are analyzed in terms of the interactions within the biopolymer chains during decrystallization, as well as those between the two ions of the electrolyte and both DMAc and cellulose.

Optical rotatory dispersion; applications to organic chemistry.

Includes bibliography.

A course of practical organic chemistry,

Mode of access: Internet.

Text-book of organic chemistry for medical students.

Mode of access: Internet.

Organic chemistry, or : Chemistry of the carbon compounds /

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

The practical methods of organic chemistry

Mode of access: Internet.

Theoretical organic chemistry /

Mode of access: Internet.

Organic chemistry,

Mode of access: Internet.

Bibliography of electro-organic chemistry /

Pt. 1.

Organic and food chemistry,

"List of books consulted": p. 207-208.

Elsevier's Encyclopædia of organic chemistry /

Supplements to v. 14 issued 1951-69 (8 v.)

Semimicro experimental organic chemistry; a laboratory manual.

Includes bibliographical references.

Laboratory manual of organic chemistry; experiments on a semimacro scale,

Mode of access: Internet.