Theoretical and experimental investigation on dissolution and regeneration of cellulose in ionic liquid

► The interaction of [emim]Ac with Glc is bigger than that of Glc with Glc. ► [emim]Ac interacts with Glc mainly via H-bonds. ► The anion of [emim]Ac plays a major role in the interaction with Glc. ► The H-bonds of [emim]Ac with Glc are destroyed by the addition of water.