Facile Method to Obtain Low DS β-ketoesters and Esters of Microfibrillated Cellulose

Herein we report a facile approach to prepare low DS microfibrillated cellulose acetoacetates and esters. All the reactions were performed directly in cellulose slurries without the need of solvent evaporation, which can cause hornification, and without damaging the fibres. The products obtained display the inserted functionalities while retaining the main features and morphology of the unmodified cellulose fibres. In comparison to previously reported synthetic routes, this method is cost-effective, more environmentally friendly through omission of extra solvents and the possibility of reusing the dispersing agents, which can be recovered by distillation.