[L_I_Z_L]

I'm trying to figure out the synthesis of celluloid from cellulose, nitric acid and then camphor (1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]-2-heptanone).
Cellulose is a long chain molecule of hexane rings with an oxygen in place of a carbon at one position in the ring.  How is this substituted to a carbon to form a carbon ring in cellulose nitrate, after nitric acid is added?

thanks for any help

[Ishmael46]

You might be confused.  Cellulose is composed of many glucoses molecules combined by removing water (condensation reaction).  Nitration of cellulose occurs on the hydroxides of the individual glucose monomers.  If you plan on performing a nitration of cellulose, you should be very very careful, because most nitrated compounds are extremely explosive.  

[Mitch]

Topics on explosives are forbidden. Topic closed.