This book summarizes recent progress in cellulose chemistry. The last 10
years have witnessed important developments, because sustainability is a
major concern. Biodegradable cellulose derivatives, in particular esters
and ethers, are employed on a large scale. The recent developments in
cellulose chemistry include unconventional methods for the synthesis of
derivatives, introduction of novel solvents, e.g. ionic liquids, novel
approaches to regioselective derivatization of cellulose, preparation of
nano-particles and nano-composites for specific applications. These new
developments are discussed comprehensively. This book is aimed at
researchers and professionals working on cellulose and its derivatives.
It fills an important gap in teaching, because most organic chemistry
textbooks concentrate on the relatively simple chemistry of mono- and
disaccharides. The chemistry and, more importantly, the applications of
cellulose are only concisely mentioned.