Cellulose derivatives synthesized via isocyanate and activated ester pathways in homogeneous solutions of lithium chloride N,N-dimethylacetamide

Cellulose carbamate and ester derivatives were synthesized in homogeneous solutions of lithium chloride (LiCl)/N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) by the reaction of cellulose with ethyl 4-isocyanatobenzoate and the activated esters of N,N-dimethylaminobenzoic acids. Comparative reactions were performed with phenyl isocyanate and the activated ester of benzoic acid. All reactions were followed spectroscopically by FTIR, H-1 NMR, and C-13 NMR. Degrees of substitution were calculated utilizing UV spectroscopy. The isocyanate reactions are facile allowing controllable degrees of substitution and high yields. By contrast, the activated ester pathway inherently results in lower degrees of substitution and lower yields due in part to undesirable side reactions.