Transesterification of cellulose with unactivated esters in superbase–acid conjugate ionic liquids

A sustainable homogeneous transesterification protocol utilizing the superbase ionic liquid [mTBNH][OAc] and unactivated methyl esters has been developed for the preparation of cellulose esters with controllable degree of substitution. [mTBNH][OAc] shows excellent recyclability with a high recovery of sufficient purity for repeated use. This reaction media allows for cellulose transesterification reactions not only using activated or cyclic esters, but also with unactivated methyl esters, which extends the substrate and application scope. Furthermore, the solubility properties of the prepared cellulose materials were tested and some intrinsic trends were observed at low degrees of substitution.