Dicarboxylic acid, reaction with cellulose

Mixed cellulose esters containing the dicarboxylate moiety, eg, cellulose acetate phthalate, have commercially useful properties such as alkaline solubihty and excellent film-forming characteristics. These esters can be prepared by the reaction of hydrolyzed cellulose acetate with a dicarboxyhc anhydride in a pyridine or, preferably, an acetic acid solvent with sodium acetate catalyst. Cellulose acetate phthalate [9004-38-0] for pharmaceutical and photographic uses is produced commercially via the acetic acid—sodium acetate method. 

Plasticizers can be classified according to their chemical nature. The most important classes of plasticizers used in rubber adhesives are phthalates, polymeric plasticizers, and esters. The group phthalate plasticizers constitutes the biggest and most widely used plasticizers. The linear alkyl phthalates impart improved low-temperature performance and have reduced volatility. Most of the polymeric plasticizers are saturated polyesters obtained by reaction of a diol with a dicarboxylic acid. The most common diols are propanediol, 1,3- and 1,4-butanediol, and 1,6-hexanediol. Adipic, phthalic and sebacic acids are common carboxylic acids used in the manufacture of polymeric plasticizers. Some poly-hydroxybutyrates are used in rubber adhesive formulations. Both the molecular weight and the chemical nature determine the performance of the polymeric plasticizers. Increasing the molecular weight reduces the volatility of the plasticizer but reduces the plasticizing efficiency and low-temperature properties. Typical esters used as plasticizers are n-butyl acetate and cellulose acetobutyrate. 

---