3-O-Propyl cellulose: cellulose ether with exceptionally low flocculation temperature

The synthesis of 3-O-propyl cellulose with degree of substitution (DS) ranging from 0.19 to 1.02 was carried out via 2,6-di-O-thexyldimethylsilyl cellulose. The products were characterized by means of one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy after peracetylation. The dissolution behavior of 3-mono-O-propyl cellulose in water was studied and compared with propyl cellulose derivatives having different degree of substitution and distribution of functional groups. Depending on the DS, exceptionally low flocculation temperatures between 15 and 23 °C were found for 3-O-propyl celluloses.