Cellulose in Schweizer's Reagent: A Stable, Polymeric Metal Complex with High Chain Stiffness

Abstract

Doubly deprotonated monomeric units, chelation of Cu2+ ions, and stiffness imparted by strong hydrogen bonds of the type OH …︁ O− are characteristics of cellulose in Schweizer's reagent (shown on the right). This solubilized form of cellulose discovered in 1857 forms the basis of current technical processes for the preparation of membranes. The new findings were obtained from the combination of coordination chemistry and polymer analysis.