Electron spin resonance study of soluble copper(II)–cellulose complexes

Abstract

The dissolution of cellulose in Cu^II–amine solvents, and the subsequent gelation of these solutions with concentrated NaOH solution, have been studied with ESR and optical absorption spectroscopies. A Cu^II–cellulose complex has been characterised in homogeneous Cu^II–cellulose gels. This species is similar to that formed when Cu^II is adsorbed on fibrous cellulose under alkaline conditions. A second complex is postulated, formed on initial dissolution of cellulose in Cu^II–amine solvents, prior to complete gelation with base.