Microwave-assisted synthesis of alkyl cellulose in aqueous medium

Alkyl celluloses are commercial products that are made typically in an alcohol medium over the course of several hours. In this work an alternative, simplified synthesis of alkyl cellulose is reported, using microwave irradiation and aqueous alkaline medium. No alcohol is needed during the reaction. Reaction time is less than 30 min. Conversion varies from 54 to 87%. The degree of substitution varied from 0.2 to 1.0. The production of methyl cellulose and ethyl cellulose was confirmed by 13C NMR and FTIR analysis.