The Autoxidation of Alkali Cellulose

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Abstract
The kinetics of the uncatalyzed oxidation of alkali cellulose by molecular oxygen (autoxida tion) have been studied. It is shown that a linear relationship exists between the copper num ber of cellulose regenerated from a freshly prepared alkali cellulose and the initial rate of autoxidation of the alkali cellulose. As reaction proceeds, however, the rate approaches a constant value which, under given conditions, is independent of the initial copper number. Peroxides are formed during the reaction, to an extent which is dependent upon trace concen trations of various heavy metals. The effects of temperature, oxygen pressure, and alkali cellulose composition on reaction rate are discussed. The results are consistent with the present picture of autoxidation processes being free-radical-propagated chain reactions.

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