Cellulose, Modified

Name:
Cellulose, Modified
Detailed information:
One of many derivatives of cellulose, formed by substitution of appropriate radicals (carboxyl, alkyl, acetate, nitrate, etc.) for hydroxyl groups along the carbon chain. Such reactions are usually not stoichiometric. Some of these products (carboxymethyl and hydroxyalkyl cellulose) are water-soluble ethers; others are organosol esters (cellulose acetate), nitrates (nitrocellulose), or xanthates (viscose). Biodegraded cellulose has been used as a microbial growth medium for protein formation. A tobacco substitute based on a cellulose modification is trademarked “Cytrel.” [Celanese].