CELLULOSE ACETATE (Cross).--If cellulose is heated with acetic anhydride at 180° C., viscous solutions of the acetates are obtained. The process yielding a definite acetate of commercial value is based upon the following reaction:--100 parts of cellulose prepared from the sulpho-carbonate are mixed with 120 parts of zinc acetate, heated and dried at 105° C. Acetic anhydride is added in small quantity, and 100 parts of acetyl chloride. At a temperature of 50° C. the mixture becomes liquid, and cellulose acetate is subsequently obtained as a white powder. The compound can be used in the place of cellulose nitrate, and, being non-explosive, may gradually replace the latter in many industrial applications. _Cellulose-Benzoate._--When alkali cellulose is heated with benzoyl chloride and excess of caustic soda, this substance is obtained. _Cellulose Hydrate._--The substances produced by the action of acid and alkali on cellulose under certain strictly defined conditions are bodies containing cellulose united with water to form hydrates. The industrial applications of cellulose based upon this reaction are described under the special headings. CELLULOSE NITRATE.--A considerable number of derivatives are obtained by bringing cellulose into contact with nitric acid. Variations in the strength of the acid, the temperature of reaction, and the time of contact determine the nature of the product. The best known nitrates are:-- Cellulose di-nitrate. Cellulose tri-nitrate and tetra-nitrate, present chiefly in pyroxyline. Cellulose penta-nitrate. Cellulose hexa-nitrate, the chief constituent of gun-cotton. CHARCOAL.--Not a cellulose derivative in the strict sense of the term, charcoal being a residue obtained in the dry distillation of wood. COLLODION.--A soluble nitrate of cellulose used in photography. (See Pyroxyline.) CORDITE.--A smokeless powder consisting mainly of nitro-glycerine and gun-cotton mixed with acetone. The materials are thoroughly incorporated and the resultant paste formed into threads which are dyed and then cut up into suitable lengths for cartridges. _Cuto-Cellulose._--Synonymous with adipo-cellulose. _Dextron._--A compound prepared from the waste liquors of the bisulphite process used for the manufacture of wood pulp. Resembles dextrin in its physical properties. DEXTROSE.--A carbohydrate which can be obtained by the action of mineral acids on cellulose. Commercial dextrose, or glucose, is prepared by the conversion of starch with sulphuric acid. The starch is mixed with dilute acid at a fixed temperature, and the starch milk obtained poured gradually into a vessel containing dilute acid, which is maintained at boiling point. The conversion is complete and rapid.