Structure and Stability of Chloroform-Included Cotton Cellulose1

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Abstract
Conditions under which chloroform and carbon tetrachloride can be trapped as inclusions within the fibers of cotton cellulose were studied. As much as 20% chloroform by weight was included in cotton swollen in liquid ammonia. X-ray studies indicated that the cellulose lattice was disrupted by the included chloroform so that it appeared amorphous. Washing with toluene did not affect the inclusion complex. Although the complex was stable if stored in a closed con tainer, it very slowly decomposed with loss of chloroform upon exposure to the air. Thermal analyses indicated that the complex was stable up to 200°C but that it broke down with loss of chloroform between 200 and 300°C. The energy of activation for this dissociation was 35 kcal/mole.