Synthesis and properties of cellulose carbonate derivatives

The synthesis of several novel cellulose carbonate derivatives and their physical properties are reported. Disubstituted cellulose carbonate derivatives were synthesized by transesterification with triacetylcellulose (CTA) and diphenyl carbonate (DPC). Only C-3 and C-6 acetyl groups on the pyranose ring could be replaced with phenyl carbonate groups. An insoluble product was obtained from the mixture of cellulose and diphenyl carbonate. In contrast, trisubstituted derivatives were formed for the first time in the reaction of unmodified cellulose and phenyl chloroformate in dimethylacetamide-LiCl solution. These trisubstituted cellulose carbonate derivatives had high solubility in organic solvents, excellent elastic properties, and good thermoplasticity for processing.