The compound can be used in the place of cellulose nitrate, and, being non-explosive, may gradually replace the latter in many industrial applications.
Cellulose-Benzoate.—When alkali cellulose is heated with benzoyl chloride and excess of caustic soda, this substance is obtained.
Cellulose Hydrate.—The substances produced by the action of acid and alkali on cellulose under certain strictly defined conditions are bodies containing cellulose united with water to form hydrates. The industrial applications of cellulose based upon this reaction are described under the special headings.
Cellulose Nitrate.—A considerable number of derivatives are obtained by bringing cellulose into contact with nitric acid. Variations in the strength of the acid, the temperature of reaction, and the time of contact determine the nature of the product. The best known nitrates are:—
Cellulose di-nitrate.
Cellulose tri-nitrate and tetra-nitrate, present chiefly in pyroxyline.
Cellulose penta-nitrate.
Cellulose hexa-nitrate, the chief constituent of gun-cotton.
Charcoal.—Not a cellulose derivative in the strict sense of the term, charcoal being a residue obtained in the dry distillation of wood.