Preparation
Benzylcellulose may be prepared from alkali cellulose and benzyl chloride in
a manner analogous to that described previously for methylcellulose. Benzylcellulose
is not manufactured commercially, although there was some output
in the 1930s. This material contained about two benzyl groups per glucose
residue and found use mainly in injection moulding. Benzylcellulose is similar
to ethylcellulose; it has better water resistance but significantly lower softening
point and poorer stability to heat and light. The latter properties and high
production costs contributed to the demise of the material.
