Abstract
Summary: The application of different ionic liquids (IL), namely 1‐N‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([C~4~mim]^+^Cl^−^), 3‐methyl‐N‐butyl‐pyridinium chloride and benzyldimethyl(tetradecyl)ammonium chloride were investigated as solvents for cellulose. The ILs used have the ability to dissolve cellulose with a degree of polymerization in the range from 290 to 1 200 to a very high concentration. Using [C~4~mim]^+^Cl^−^, no degradation of the polymer appears. By ^13^C NMR measurement it was confirmed that this IL is a so‐called non‐derivatizing solvent. [C~4~mim]^+^Cl^−^ can be applied as a reaction medium for the synthesis of carboxymethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate. Without using any catalyst, cellulose derivatives with high degree of substitution could be prepared.
^13^C NMR spectrum of cellulose dissolved in the IL [C~4~mim]^+^Cl^−^ (top). The ^13^C NMR spectrum of cellulose dissolved in DMSO/tetrabutylammonium fluoride trihydrate is shown for comparison (bottom).
magnified image^13^C NMR spectrum of cellulose dissolved in the IL [C~4~mim]^+^Cl^−^ (top). The ^13^C NMR spectrum of cellulose dissolved in DMSO/tetrabutylammonium fluoride trihydrate is shown for comparison (bottom).