BENZYL CELLULOSE

Preparation

Benzylcellulose may be prepared from alkali cellulose and benzyl chloride in a manner analogous to that described previously for methylcellulose. Benzylcellulose is not manufactured commercially, although there was some output in the 1930s. This material contained about two benzyl groups per glucose residue and found use mainly in injection moulding. Benzylcellulose is similar to ethylcellulose; it has better water resistance but significantly lower softening point and poorer stability to heat and light. The latter properties and high production costs contributed to the demise of the material.