The Autoxidation of Alkali Cellulose

Abstract

The previous paper in this series discussed the uncatalyzed autoxidation of alkali cellulose and suggested that the reaction proceeds via a chain mechanism involving transient free radicals. The present paper describes the effect of certain transition metal catalysts on the kinetics of oxygen absorption and cellulose depolymerization. It is further shown that the reaction is subject to catalysis by substances which generate free radicals and by the presence of certain other autoxidizable substances. Silver and gold compounds behave as inhibitors, as do some typical organic antioxidants. The results provide further evidence for the free-radical chain character of the reaction. Possible depolymerization processes are discussed in terms of this approach.

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