The formation of hydroxy monocarboxylic acids and dicarboxylic acids by alkaline thermochemical degradation of cellulose

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Treatment of cotton cellulose with 3 M sodium hydroxide solution at 260°C and 280°C gave a mixture of carboxylic acids with a yield of > 95%. The identified 50 carboxylic acids included both hydroxy monocarboxylic acids and dicarboxylic acids; their routes of formation are discussed. Among the main compounds were lactic, glycolic, 2‐hydroxy‐2‐methylpropanoic, 2‐hydroxybutanoic, 3,4‐dideoxypentonic, anhydroisosaccharinic, 2,3‐dideoxypentaric, and 3,4‐dideoxyhexaric acids. Technical utilisation of this kind of acid mixture requires further studies. Investigations of the cyclic compounds, formed in small amounts only, resulted in identification of mainly alkyl‐substituted 2‐cyclopenten‐1‐ones.