Influence of Water Concentration on the Hydrolysis of Unstabilized Cellulose Nitrate in Acetone/Water Solution

Abstract

The influence of water concentration upon the hydrolysis of the sulphate acid ester in unstabilized cotton and wood cellulose nitrates in acetone/water solutio~l a t 2 5 " f O.1° C. has been determined. When the water content of these systems was increased, the rate of hydrolysis of the sulphate acid ester in cotton or wood cellulose nitrates decreased. This effect was greatest in the first hour of hydrolysis. The presence of more than about 2% water in t h e acetone/water solution prevented the completion of hydrolysis after 24 hours.