SYNTHESIS OF CELLULOSE ACETATE

Silverio, A.
1
, Soriano, R.
1
, Tan, J.
1
, Tequillo, H.
1
, Tolentino, M.
1

University of Santo Tomas, Faculty of Pharmacy
1


ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
Cellulose is a naturally occurring
polymer obtained from wood fibers or the short
fibers (linters) adhering to cotton seeds. It is
made up of repeating glucose units that have the
chemical formula C
6
H
7
0
2
(0H)
3
.
[1]


Figure 1. Molecular structure of Cellulose.
In unaltered cellulose, the X in the
molecular structure represents hydrogen (H),
indicating the presence in the molecule of three
hydroxyl (OH) groups. The OH groups form
strong hydrogen bonds between cellulose
molecules, with the result that cellulose
structures cannot be loosened by heat or solvents
without causing chemical decomposition.
However, upon acetylation, the hydrogen in the
hydroxyl groups is replaced by acetyl groups
(CH
3
-CO). The resultant cellulose acetate
compound can be dissolved in certain solvents
or softened or melted under heat, allowing the
material to be spun into fibers, molded into solid
objects, or cast as a film.
[2]

Cellulose acetate is most commonly
prepared by treating cellulose with acetic acid
and then with acetic anhydride in the presence of
a catalyst such as sulfuric acid. When the
resultant reactions are allowed to proceed to
completion, the product is a fully acetylated
compound known as primary cellulose acetate,
or, more properly, cellulose triacetate. Triacetate
is a high melting (300
o
C), highly crystalline
substance that is soluble only in a limited range
of solvents (usually methylene chloride). From
solution, triacetate can be dry-spun into fibers
or, with the aid of plasticizers, cast as a film. If
the primary acetate is treated with water, a
hydrolization reaction can occur in which the
acetylation reaction is partially reversed,
producing a secondary cellulose acetate, or
cellulose diacetate. Diacetate can be dissolved
by cheaper solvents such as acetone for dry-
spinning into fibers. With a lower melting
temperature (230
o
C) than triacetate, diacetate in
flake form can be mixed with appropriate
plasticizers into powders for molding solid
objects, and it can also be cast as a film.
[3]

Cellulose acetate is a good choice for
many applications because of its high
thermoplastic quality. It is transparent, has
aesthetic appeal, and its fiber is strong and
tough. It can easily be processed through
machines, and is resistant to a variety of
chemicals. It can also be offered in a white range
of colors and it does not have any allergic
reactions on the skin. In fact, it is even described
as having a natural feel on the skin, making in
compatible with contact on human skin.
[4]

The most popular application of
cellulose acetate is in the textile and fiber
industry. Many designers make use of this fiber
because it is absorbent, breathable, and
comfortable in general. It is also very easy to
dye in different colors. Aside from fiber,
cellulose acetate can also be used for glass
frames, as well as handles for tools. Those who
still make use of photographic films use
cellulose acetate; it has been used for this
purpose since the 1940s. It is also used for
wound dressing, personal hygiene products,
filter media and specialty papers.
[5]
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A. Compounds Tested
B. Procedure

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION

REFERENCES
[1]
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topi
c/101663/cellulose-acetate
[2]
http://chem.answers.com/definitions/the-
benefits-of-cellulose-acetate
[3]
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/
masy.200850210/abstract
[4]
http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID
=1461
[5]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellulose_
acetate