Studies in the Reaction of Formaldehyde with Unmodified, Modified, and Dyed Celluloses: Part III: The Reaction of Formaldehyde with Oxycelluloses

Abstract

The reaction of formaldehyde with oxycelluloses obtained by the oxidation of cotton cellulose with four oxidizing agents is investigated. The rate and the extent of the reaction with these oxycelluloses before and after their treatment with chlorous acid and sodium borohydride have been studied to see the effect of oxidative modification of cellulose on its reaction with formaldehyde. It is observed that the rate and extent of reaction depend upon the nature and extent of oxidation, the change in the fine structure of cellulose during oxidation, the subsequent treatments, and the carboxyl content. A tentative mechanism for the inhibiting action of carboxyl groups present in the anhydroglucose units of the cellulosic material has been suggested.