CELLULOSE ETHERS SUBSTITUTED WITH HYDROXYALKYL AND OMEGA-ALKINYL GROUPS AND CELLULOSE ETHERS SUBSTITUTED WITH HYDROXYALKYL, OMEGA-ALKINYL AND AZIDO GROUPS AND THEIR USE AS WATER-INSOLUBLE ADHESIVES

Nonionic, water-soluble cellulose ethers are disclosed with hydroxyalkyl groups and ω-alkynyl groups, each joined to the cellulose via an ether bond, the degree of molar substitution MS(alkyne) being in the range from 0.001 to 0.30. The cellulose ethers may further contain azido groups, preferably 3-azido-2-hydroxypropyl groups, likewise joined to the cellulose by an ether bond, the MS(AHP) being in the range from 0.001 to 0.3. To obtain an adhesive, cellulose ether is mixed with water or, if the cellulose ether contains no alkyne groups, is mixed additionally with a non-ionic cellulose ether containing ω-alkyne groups and hydroxyalkyl groups, each bonded to the cellulose by ether bonds. The mixture is applied to at least one of the surfaces to be bonded and then is contacted with a copper(I) catalyst or a ruthenium catalyst. The adhesive is especially suitable for bonding wood, paper, cardboard or other cellulosic material.