Chemistry - Polymer Question with Solution | TestHub

The preparation of viscose rayon involves several steps.

In the first stage, cellulose is treated with a concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide ($\text{NaOH}$) to form alkali cellulose. The reaction is:
$\text{Cell}-\text{OH}+\text{NaOH}\to \text{Cell}-\text{ONa}+{\text{H}}_2\text{O}$

In the subsequent stages, the alkali cellulose is reacted with carbon disulfide (${\text{CS}}_2$) to form sodium cellulose xanthate, which is then dissolved in dilute $\text{NaOH}$ to form a viscous solution called viscose. Finally, it is extruded into an acid bath to regenerate cellulose fibers.

Therefore, the first stage is the reaction of cellulose with $\text{NaOH}$.

Answer: $\text{Cell}-\text{OH}+\text{NaOH}$