摘要 |
A method for the depolymerization of cellulose ethers by acid oxidative decomposition. Ground and dried cellulose ether is exposed to gaseous acid or is sprayed with an acid solution. It is brought into contact with an oxidizing agent or an oxidizing agent solution, and depolymerized at temperatures in the range from 50 to 120° C. over a period in the range from 0.01 to 10 hours. The acid is subsequently neutralized by adding a base. The water content of the reaction mixture does not exceed 10% by weight during depolymerization. |