Cellulose

(C6H10O5). Carbohydrate of the Starch family, constituting the membrane of plant cells. Cotton is nearly pure cellulose. It is made by the action of alkali or a bisulphite on wood; white amorphous powder, changed by dilute acids into dextrose and dextrine. Nitric acid converts it into guncotton. It is soluble in SCHWEITZER'S REAGENT (q.v.). See also FIBER and NITROCELLULOSE.