Pitfalls in the chemistry of cellulosic key chromophores

The chemistry of cellulosic key chromophores is challenging because of the usually very low concentration of the colored compounds in real-world cellulosic matrices. It offers many surprises and positive outcomes; unfortunately there are also pitfalls and disappointments. This report discusses eight examples or surprising chemistry out of the realm of cellulosic key chromophores. The reactions have either taken unforeseen paths or provided unexpected products. The reaction mechanisms of the "strange" processes are described and the products are comprehensively analytically characterized. Given that the seemingly obvious approaches have failed, alternatives for obtaining the desired products are provided, wherever possible.