Synthesis of new bis(acyl)phosphane oxide photoinitiators for the surface functionalization of cellulose nanocrystals.

A new synthesis of bis(acyl)phosphane oxide (BAPO) photoinitiators was developed which can be used to functionalize cellulose nanocrystal surfaces for polymer grafting. Hybrid materials with excellent graft yields can be rapidly obtained under mild and acid-free conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]