t property
of solubility in various alcoholic solvents, notably ether-alcohol. Such
nitrates are the basis of collodion, of artificial silk by the processes
of Chardonnet and Lehner, and of celluloid or xylonite. Higher nitrates
are also obtainable up to the limit of the trinitrate, which is
insoluble in ether or alcohol, but is soluble in nitroglycerin,
nitrobenzene and other solvents. These higher nitrates are the basis of
the most important modern explosives.

Cellulose reacts directly with acetic anhydride to form low esters; in
the presence of sulphuric acid the reaction proceeds to higher limits;
the triacetate is soluble in chloroform. The acid sulphuric ester,
C6H8O3(SO4H)2, is obtained by the action of sulphuric acid, but its
relation to the original cellulose is doubtful. The monobenzoate and
dibenzoate are formed by benzoyl chloride reacting on alkali-cellulose
(see below). Cellulose xanthates are obtained from carbon bisulphide and
alkali-cellulose; these are water soluble derivatives and the basis of
"viscose," and of important industries. Mixed esters---aceto-sulphate,
aceto-benzoate, nitrobenzoyl nitrates, aceto-nitro-sulphates--have also
been investigated.

Cellulose (cotton), when treated with a 15-20% caustic soda solution,
gives the compound C6H10O5.H2O.2NaOH, alkali-cellulose, the original
riband-like form with reticulated walls of the cellulose being
transformed into a smooth-walled cylinder. The structural changes in the
ultimate fibre determine very considerable changes in the dimensions of
fabrics so treated. The reactions and structural changes were
investigated by J. Mercer, and are known generally as "mercerization."
In recent years a very large industry in "mercerized" fabrics (cotton)
has resulted from the observation that if the shrinkages of the yarns
and fabrics be antagonized by mechanical means, a very high lustre is
developed.

Similar, but less definite compounds, are formed with the oxides of
lead, manganese, barium, iron, aluminium and chromium. These
derivatives, which also find industrial applications in the dyeing and
printing of fabrics, differ but little in appearance from the original
cellulose, and are without influence on its essential characteristics.

_Decompositions._--Hydrolysis:--By solution in sulphuric acid followed
by dilution and boiling the diluted solution cellulose hydrolyses to
fermentable sugars; this reaction is utilized industrially in the
manufacture of