Preparation of completely allylated and methallylated celluloses from methylcellulose and cellulose acetate

Cellulose ethers having various amounts of carbon—carbon double bonds were prepared by allylation or methallylation of commercial methylcellulose (DS = 1.6). Namely, methylcellulose dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was treated with allyl chloride or methallyl chloride in the presence of powdered sodium hydroxide as a base. Tri-O-allyl and tri-O-methallyl celluloses were also prepared easily from commercial cellulose acetate (DS = 1.75) with powdered sodium hydroxide and the corresponding chlorides. Thermal stabilities of these cellulose derivatives and their behaviors to oxygen in the air were studied by the use of TG-DSC and solubility test, respectively.