N-Methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO): hazards in practice and pitfalls in theory

Abstract

The hazards of handling N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) cannot be described often enough, although it is a rather common (co-)solvent for cellulose. Inaccuracies in the literature regarding the chemistry of NMMO, such as its role in solvent systems and in redox systems involving transition metal ions, increase the risk of dangerous failure of the intended reactions which might result in uncontrolled exothermicities, damage of laboratory equipment or even accidents and work safety issues. Therefore, suitable cautionary and mitigation strategy statements regarding the hazards of handling NMMO are encouraged for future publications regarding NMMO and cellulose.