HPMC: A Biomass-Based Semisynthetic Sustainable Additive Enabling Clean and Fast Chemistry in Water

The two types of water chemistries are (i) on water and (ii) in water. The fundamental understanding of "on water" chemistry is very well-known. In contrast, "in water" chemistry is yet not well understood. Micellar catalysis is a major enabler of "in water" chemistry, while HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose)-based chemistry is new and therefore underdeveloped. This perspective is dedicated to the in water chemistry of HPMC. Chemistry/catalysis in aqueous HPMC has recently been reported by AbbVie and our group. Using HPMC for "in water chemistry" requires a basic knowledge of the necessary procedures and limitations of this technology. Therefore, this perspective focuses on educating the audience about how HPMC can be effectively used in chemocatalysis. In addition, it includes how and why the viscosity of HPMC is a critical factor for the reaction's success. We also list the viscosities of various grades of commercially available HPMC, so that readers can easily pick the supplier that provides the material of interest.