What does xanthation mean?
Xanthation is the chemical process of converting an alcohol into a xanthate by reaction with carbon disulfide, generally in the presence of an alkali. Its best-known application is in the manufacture of viscose rayon: cellulose is xanthated, dissolved in an alkaline solution to form viscose, and then processed into regenerated fibers. The process is significant because xanthation temporarily changes cellulose into a soluble derivative that can be spun and subsequently regenerated. Outside specialized chemistry and textile manufacturing, the word is uncommon. In technical writing, it specifically refers to the conversion reaction, while a xanthate is the salt or ester formed as a result. The name belongs to the same chemical family as xanthic acid and xanthogen, all ultimately associated with the Greek term for yellow.
nounThe chemical process of converting an alcohol into a xanthate, usually by treating it with carbon disulfide and a base. The term is especially associated with the xanthation of cellulose in viscose-rayon production.
- The chemical conversion of an alcohol into a xanthate, especially the treatment of cellulose with carbon disulfide and alkali in viscose-rayon manufacturing.
"Careful control of temperature and alkali concentration is essential during the xanthation of cellulose."
"The factory monitors xanthation temperature to prevent degradation of the cellulose."
"The textbook illustrates the xanthation of alcohol with carbon disulfide in the presence of a base."
The plural is grammatically possible but rare, as the word is normally used for a specific chemical process.
"The two xanthations were performed under different temperature controls."
Transforming cellulose into a soluble xanthate was the chemical gateway to viscose and the production of rayon.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of xanthation
Xanthation was formed from xanthate, itself associated with xanthic acid and ultimately with Greek xanthos, meaning “yellow.” The name reflects the historical grouping of yellow-colored chemical compounds and their derivatives. It developed within the terminology of organic chemistry and was later applied especially to the treatment of cellulose in the viscose process.
Related word forms
How xanthation is actually used
A rare technical term used chiefly in industrial chemistry, cellulose processing, and the manufacture of viscose rayon. It names a reaction process rather than the resulting compound.
Easily confused with xanthation
Xanthation is the chemical process that forms a xanthate, whereas a xanthate is the salt or ester produced by that process.
Xanthic acid is the parent chemical compound from which the name xanthation is derived; xanthation itself denotes a conversion process.