Cellulose di-nitrate, C_{18}H_{13}O_{8} (NO_{3})_{2} always results as the final product of the action of alkalis on the other nitrates, and also from the action of hot, somewhat dilute, nitric acid on cellulose. The di-nitrate is very soluble in ether-alcohol, acetic ether, and in absolute alcohol. Further action of alkalis on the di-nitrate results in a complete decomposition of the molecule, some organic acids and tarry matters being formed. The reactions and resolution products of this body have, however, been but slightly studied, and apparently not at all with the view to elucidate anything respecting the constitution of cellulose itself. _Cellulose and Chlorine._—Dry chlorine gas has no action upon cellulose, but the presence of water determines an indirect oxidising action. This oxidising action results from the decomposition of water by chlorine with formation of hydrochloric acid and liberation of oxygen. The reaction, however, can only take place in the presence of light. _Cellulose and Oxygen._—When cotton is exposed for some time to the action of a solution of bleaching powder, in the cold, and with access of air, e.g. when a piece of white calico is moistened with the solution, squeezed out and exposed to the air, it is found to undergo gradual disintegration accompanied by a change in composition, and an elementary {11} analysis of the product shows it to contain less carbon and more oxygen than the original cellulose. The following percentage numbers indicate the composition of these oxidised derivatives of cellulose, and the progress of the oxidation:— 12 hours’ exposure. 24 hours’ exposure. C 43·78 43·47 43·00 42·90 H 5·85 6·13 6·28 6·18 O 50·37 50·40 50·72 50·92