Effective preparation of cellulose derivatives in a new simple cellulose solvent

Cellulose with a degree of polymerization up to 650 can be dissolved in dim ethyl sulfoxide containing 10 to 20% (w/v) tetrabutylammonium fluoride trih ydrate without any pretreatment within 15 min at room temperature. The new solvent can be classified as a non-derivatizing one as conclude from C-13 N MR measurements. The solvent can be used as reaction medium for the homogen ous functionalization of the polymer. Cellulose esters are prepared very ef fective by transesterification reactions. The functional groups are distrib uted in the order expected for a homogeneous conversion, i.e., a preferred reaction at the primary hydroxyl groups occurs. Moreover, carboxymethyl cel lulose with a preferred functionalization at the primary hydroxyl groups an d a non-statistic content of the different repeating units was accessible.