Natriumcellulosexantat

Natriumcellulosexantat, known in English as sodium cellulose xanthate, is the sodium salt of cellulose xanthate, a cellulose derivative produced by reacting cellulose with carbon disulfide in an alkaline medium. It is formed by treating cellulose with sodium hydroxide to create alkali cellulose, then introducing carbon disulfide to yield the xanthate ester, which is subsequently converted to the sodium salt. It is a major intermediate in the viscose rayon process.

In industrial practice, sodium cellulose xanthate is dissolved in dilute caustic soda to form a viscose solution. This viscose solution can be extruded or spun to form fibers, films, or gels. After shaping, the cellulose is regenerated by acidifying the solution, producing regenerated cellulose products such as viscose rayon. The development of this chemistry in the late 19th century enabled large-scale production of rayon and related materials.

Properties of natriumcellulosexantat include a light-yellow to pale-brown powder that is highly soluble in water under alkaline conditions. It is unstable in acidic environments and can decompose with the evolution of carbon disulfide; moisture, heat, and metal-contact can influence its stability. Storage requires controls to minimize exposure to acids and oxidizers.

Safety and handling: carbon disulfide is toxic and flammable, and handling natriumcellulosexantat involves risks associated with sulfur compounds and alkaline reagents. Proper ventilation, personal protective equipment, and adherence to regulatory guidelines are essential to manage health, safety, and environmental risks.

See also: cellulose xanthate, viscose rayon, carbon disulfide.