Hydrolysis of Cellulose in a Small Amount of Concentrated Sulfuric Acid

Abstract

An experimental procedure for preparing a homogeous mixture of cellulose and a small amount of concentrated sulfuric acid was introduced.
A diagram describing the proportions between soluble glucose-polymer, sulfuric acid and water in an equilibrium solution was constructed.
The degree of retardation of the hydrolysis of cellulose in a small amount of sulfuric acid was discussed as compared with the hydrolysis in the presence of an excess of acid.