Question

Write short notes on the synthetic modification of cellulose.

Answer 1

Cellulose:

1. A complex carbohydrate with at least 3,000 glucose units is called cellulose.
2. Cellulose is the most prevalent naturally occurring organic substance and the fundamental structural element of plant cell walls.
3. It makes up around 33% of all vegetable matter.

Synthetic modification of cellulose:

1. The cellulose derivatives' ability to be spun into fibers and spread into a film is aided by the free hydroxyl groups that are present on each glucose unit in the cellulose chain.
2. These hydroxyl groups can be esterified to produce polymeric compounds that differ from cellulose itself in terms of their characteristics.
3. A few of the synthetic modifications of cellulose are:

i) Cellulose Nitrate:

1. Cellulose is treated with nitric acid to produce cellulose nitrate.
2. Guncotton, a completely nitrated chemical with the formula is explosively combustible and is a key ingredient in smokeless powder.

ii) Cellulose Acetate:

1. This is created by cellulose, acetic anhydride, and an acid catalyst reacting together.
2. Depending on the level of acetylation, the product's characteristics change.
3. Fabrics may be woven using filaments made of cellulose acetate in an acetone solution, known as acetate rayon.

iii) Viscose rayon:

1. The viscous organic liquid that is recycled into fibers to create fabric is referred to as “viscose.”
2. The primary component of plant cell walls and the source of viscose rayon is cellulose.
3. Chemicals are used to cellulose to create a fabric that mimics the characteristics of natural fibers like silk and cotton.
4. It's common for viscose fabric to feel and look like cotton and silk.