Cellulose

(C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ

IUPAC: Cellulose

CAS: 9004-34-6

Overview

Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth, forming the structural component of plant cell walls. It is a linear polymer of glucose units linked by beta-1,4-glycosidic bonds. Humans cannot digest cellulose because we lack the enzyme cellulase.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 10 1.0080
Carbon C 6 12.0110
Oxygen O 5 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×10
6.2%
C
Carbon ×6
44.4%
O
Oxygen ×5
49.3%

Uses

  • • Paper and cardboard production
  • • Cotton textiles
  • • Cellophane film
  • • Dietary fiber

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Produced at a rate of about 100 billion tonnes per year by plants globally
  • ✦ Termites can digest cellulose only because of symbiotic microorganisms in their gut

Safety

  • ⚠ Non-toxic
  • ⚠ Dust inhalation may irritate lungs

Properties

Type
polymer
State
solid
Molar Mass
162.14 g/mol
Density
1.5000 g/cm³
Solubility
insoluble

Also Known As

Cellulose

Related Compounds

Epoxy Resin DGEBA

C₂₁H₂₄O₄

Kevlar

(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙ

Nomex

(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙ

Nylon-6,6

(C₁₂H₂₂N₂O₂)ₙ

Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin

(C₇H₆O₂)ₙ

Polyacrylonitrile

(C₃H₃N)ₙ

Polycarbonate

(C₁₆H₁₄O₃)ₙ

Polyethylene

(C₂H₄)ₙ

Polyethylene Terephthalate

(C₁₀H₈O₄)ₙ

Polyhydroxybutyrate

(C₄H₆O₂)ₙ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cellulose?
Cellulose ((C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ) is a polymer compound with the IUPAC name Cellulose.
What is the molecular weight of Cellulose?
Cellulose has a molar mass of 162.141 g/mol.
What state is Cellulose at room temperature?
Cellulose is a solid at room temperature.
Is Cellulose organic or inorganic?
Cellulose is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Cellulose?
Cellulose ((C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).