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Cellulose

Cellulose (generic chemical formula (C₆H₁₀O₅)_n) is the carbohydrate that makes up the main structure of plants. It is also referred to as "fibre" and is indigestible by humans. Cotton fibre is almost pure cellulose.

Cellulose makes up the main diet of ruminants, and is used in the manufacture of nitrocellulose (primarily used in smokeless gunpowder), cellophane, paper, and rayon. It's also an excellent solid-state substrate for thin layer chromatography.

Cellulose is a very strong substance because the straight-chain molecules hydrogen bond with one another, forming a pseudocrystalline structure. In plant cell walls, this gives rigidity to structure.

Cellulose is divided into three basic types: Alpha Cellulose (true cellulose), Beta Cellulose, and Gamma Cellulose. These three types, precipitated out or dissolved in sodium hydroxide, can be reacted in different ways with different chemicals to produce cellulose substances. Among the most important of these substances are cellulose acetate and triacetate, which form film and fibres and have uses in a variety of different industries.

Web Resources On Cellulose

Origin, structure and properties of cellulose
What is cellulose?

Book Resources On Cellulose

Lignin Biodegradation and Transformation by R.L. Crawford
Comprehensive Cellulose Chemistry, Functionalization of Cellulose by by Dieter Klemm, et al

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