Innovative concepts for the shaping and modification of cellulose

The conception and first results for a newly established project at the Center of Excellence for Polysaccharide Research in Jena are described. The work is focused on the investigation of new cellulose solvents and activating agents. Besides the use of a variety of Ionic Liquids it is the interaction of carbohydrates with boric acid and boronic acid, which will be exploited for the regeneration and chemical modification of the biomacromolecule. Two new ILs bearing cellulose activating anions were discovered which can dissolve the polysaccharide. Studies on the dissolution and chemical conversion of cellulose in ILs show the potential for homogeneous reactions but also reveal a number of side reactions especially for acetate containing ILs. In case of boronic acids a covalent binding on the secondary OH functions of glucose and glucose based polymers can be evidenced for the first time at intact molecules.