We have synthesized carboxy methyl cellulose by 30-40% NaOH and after that adding chloroacetic acid (1.5 times) for 3 hours. The next day, methanol added and neutralized by glacial acetic acid and after that washed by ethanol 70%.
The resulting cmc is difficult to dissolve in water and settles after some time and does not form a viscous solution. Can you tell me the problem?