Water-soluble cellulose ether synthesis

By use of a modification of the well-known Williamson synthesis it is possible to prepare a number of cellulose ethers. Of these materials ethyl cellulose has found a small limited applieation as a moulding material and somewhat greater use for surfaee eoatings. The now obsolete benzyl cellulose was used prior to World War II as a moulding material whilst methyl eellulose, hyroxyethyl eellulose and sodium earboxymethyl eellulose are useful water-soluble polymers. 

N.N-Dimethylformamide [68-12-2] (DMF) [14.276] is miscible with water and organic solvents except aliphatic hydrocarbons. It is a good high-boiling solvent for cellulose esters, cellulose ethers, poly(vinyl chloride), vinyl chloride copolymers, poly(vinyl acetate), polyacrylonitrile, polystyrene, chlorinated rubber, polyacrylates, ketone resins, and phenolic resins. Alkyd resins and resin esters are partially soluble. Dimethylformamide does not dissolve polyethylene, polypropylene, urea-formaldehyde resins, rubber, and polyamides. It is used as a solvent in printing inks, for polyacrylonitrile spinning solutions [14.277], and as a solvent in the synthesis of acetylene. 

Dlamylamine is a colorless to straw-colored liquid with an ommaniacal odor, which is composed of a mixture of amyl isomers. It is soluble in ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, ethyl ethers, ethyl acetate, acetone, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, fixed oils, mineral oil, oleic and stearic acids. It is insoluble in water and while soluble in hot paraffin and carnauba waxes, these solidify an coaling. It is a solvent for ails, resins, and some cellulose esters. Introduction of the amyl group imparts oil solubility to otherwise oil-insoluble substances. It is used as a corrosion inhibitor, and in chemical synthesis. 

Quinoline is a liquid, soluble in alcohol, ether, carban disulfide, and in most of the common organic solvents, but only partially soluble in water. It is o solvent for cellulose esters and ethers when used with other solvents. It is used in the manufacture of dyes, photographic sensitizers, nicotinic acid, and drugs. It is also used as an extraction agent and in organic synthesis. 

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