132 Cellulose 



(2) Acetates. The fibre-substance reacts directly with 

 acetic anhydride at its boiling point ; the product shows a con- 

 siderable gain in weight upon the original lignocellulose, and its 

 reactions are altogether different. It will be obvious that the 

 product in this case will not stand in simple relationship to the 

 parent molecule. In the first place the CO.CH 2 groupings of 

 the lignocellulose are liable to further condensation and re- 

 arrangement ; under the condensing action of the anhydride 

 furfural groupings may be completed, which would then react 

 with the anhydride to form furfuracrylic acid (Berl. Ber. 1894, 

 286), which, again, would condense with the OH groups of the 

 cellulose ; and lastly, the keto R. hexene rings are open to 

 reaction with the anhydride in various ways. In view of these 

 various directions of probable reaction, and the further com- 

 plications in regard to the analysis of the product, resulting from 

 the presence of CO.CH 2 and CH 2 .CO.O residues in the ligno- 

 cellulose molecule, the investigation of the reaction is deferred 

 until the constitution of the fibre-substance itself is elucidated. 

 It cannot then fail to afford confirmatory evidence of great 

 value, both as to the constitution of the constituent groups 

 and their mutual relationships within the molecule. 



(3) Nitrates. The * nitration ' of the jute fibre has been 

 studied by O. Miihlhauser (Dingl. J. 283, 88) and the authors. 

 On plunging the fibre into the well-cooled 'nitrating' acid 

 (H 2 SO 4 -fHNO 3 ) it is instantly coloured to a dark red. After 

 remaining in the acid for about 5 minutes, evolution of 

 gaseous products is observed. If the fibre be then removed 

 and rapidly washed, the red colour of the nitrate gives place to 

 a golden yellow. The product when dry is found to be some- 

 what weakened (disintegrated) by the treatment, and harsher to 

 the touch than the original jute. It is, of course, explosive, and 

 takes fire at 160-170. It is soluble in acetic acid and acetone, 

 and is gelatinised by nitrobenzene and acetic acid. 



