A convenient solvent system for cellulose dissolution and derivatization: Mechanistic aspects of the acylation of the biopolymer in tetraallylammonium fluoride/dimethyl sulfoxide

- Tetraallylammonium fluoride (TAAF)/DMSO is a convenient solvent for cellulose.
- TAAF is thermally stable and is not subjected to elimination by the ylide mechanism.
- Cellulose in TAAF/DMSO has been converted to esters and mixed carboxylic esters.
- Short reaction time should be employed in order to avoid ester hydrolysis.
- Acyl fluoride forms by the reaction of TAAF and acid anhydrides.