13C nuclear magnetic resonance studies of cellulose acetate in the solution and solid states

Abstract

Solution and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance studies are reported on heterogeneously acetylated cellulose. Comparison of the spectra obtained indicates that there are both ordered and disordered regions within the solid phase but solution state n.m.r. does not reveal the presence of both of these domains. It is proposed that the initial acetylation occurs in disordered regions which may thereafter be solubilized, but that subsequent acetylation permits the preservation of order in the sample. Unlike nitration, acetylation appears to occur rapidly, and no evidence for the presence of partial acetylation of anhydroglucose units was found.