Hydracellulose.
The action of zinc chloride solution upon cellulose is similar to that of sulphuric acid.
Cellulose in contact with iron, and in presence of air and moisture, is converted into a sugar and a gummy substance, which latter is converted into a sugar on boiling with dilute acids. Oxidised by potassium permanganate or bichromate in presence of acetic acid, it is converted into glucose, dextrin, and formic acid.
Cellulose and nitric acid: β Oxycellulose.[*]
[*] Cross and Bevan, Chem. Soc. Journ., xliii. p. 23.