Nontoxic cellulose solvent and process for forming and utilizing the same

摘要

A nontoxic cellulose solvent and process for forming and utilizing the same. The solvent includes a metal chelating agent, a metal compound, an oxygen scavenging stabilizing agent and a caustic swelling agent with the disclosed solvent being prepared in either aqueous or solid form. The solvent is caused to contact cellulosic materials in order to dissolve cellulose therefrom. The dissolved cellulose may be reprecipitated and may then be hydrolyzed by cellulose enzyme or acid to yield glucose with lignin being removed either before or after hydrolysis has occurred.