Process for the synthesis of hydroxyethyl cellulose with improved resistance to enzyme catalyzed hydrolysis

摘要

A process for the synthesis of hydroxyethyl cellulose having improved resistance of enzyme catalyzed hydrolysis is provided by employment of a controlled, optimum amount of available water for swelling the cellulose in aqueous caustic reaction medium in hydroxy ethoxylation sequences of first high and then low ratios of caustic:cellulose.