Formation of free radicals in photoirradiated cellulose. VIII. Mechanisms

Photoinduced free radicals in cellulose were studies by means of ESR spectroscopy. Plausible mechanisms have been suggested for each type of intermediate radical to account for the ESR spectra observed and for the product balances. Based on the principles of photochemistry of cellulose, coupled with the findings of the ESR spectra, it becomes evident that localization of the energy absorbed in the cellulose molecule leads to formation of free radicals in terms of chain scission, dehydrogenation, dehydroxylation, and dehydroxymethylation. Emphasis has been placed on the correlation of the mechanisms of photodegradation and the mechanisms of photoinduced graft copolymerization.