Synthesis of nitrocellulose from pure cellulose using nitration method with

sulfuric acid as a catalyst had been done. The purpose of this research are to find a

characteristic of nitrocellulose and FT-IR absorbance. Nitrocellulose was

synthesized using nitration method in a mixture nitric acid, sulfuric acid and water

then cooled at 5OC - 15OC for 60 minutes. Results of research is showed that

nitrocellulose synthesized has a white solid form with acidity (flushing water) is

(pH) 7, water content is 7,77%, and Yield value is 84,15%. FT-IR character that

the formation nitro functional group (-NO2) sharp peak at 1635 cm-1 were

subtituted completely. However peak at 1361 cm-1 and 1288 cm-1 nitro functional

group (-NO2) incompletely substituted because peak outcome is not sharp. So two

hydroxyl functional group peak (-OH) at 3201 cm-1 and 3424 cm-1. Concluded,

substitution degree using absorbance ratio from FT-IR spectrum is 2,89.

Keyword : Nitrocellulose, pH, pure cellulose, Yield