Adsorptive cationic cellulose ether prepn - by reacting cellulose with cationic etheri-fying agent in aq alkaline soln

A method for preparing adsorptive cationic cellulose comprises reacting cellulose with a cationic etherifying agent in an alkaline aq. soln. contg. an amt. of a salt of a strong acid and a strong base sufficient to increase thereaction efficiency. The cationic etherifying agent is of formula (I): (where R1 and R2 are H, (hydroxy) alkyl, alkenyl or aryl having =7C, R3 is (hydroxy) alkyl or alkenyl hving =6C, R4 is =7C alk(en)yl opt. substd. by Cl, Br, I or epoxy gp. R2 and R3 may form a =lC heterocyclic ring with the N atom, X is an uanion, R1 and X may be absent, in which case the agent is an uncharged free amine). The cationic cellulose ehter has a high adsorptive capacity for certain proteinaceous materials such as enzymes.