Preparation of tri‐ O ‐substituted cellulose ethers by the use of a nonaqueous cellulose solvent

The previously reported method for the preparation of tri‐ O ‐benzylcellulose was applied to the preparation of various tri‐O‐substituted cellulose ethers. By this method, in which a mixture consisting of SO 2 , diethylamine (DEA), and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and powdered sodium hydroxide were used as a cellulose solvent and a base, respectively, many tri‐ O ‐arylmethylcelluloses could be prepared from the corresponding chlorides. Cellulose ethers containing double bonds such as tri‐ O ‐allyl, tri‐ O ‐methallyl‐, and tri‐ O ‐2‐butenylcellulose were also prepared from the corresponding chlorides under a milder condition than that used for the preparation of tri‐ O ‐arylmethylcelluloses. Reaction factors accelerating complete etherification were discussed.