AbstractPartially acetylated cellulose was synthesized by homogeneous acidic and basic saponification of cellulose triacetate (fully acetylated cellulose) and by homogeneous acetylation of cellulose dissolved in moltenN‐ethyl‐pyridinium chloride. The result of1H NMR spectroscopic investigations was that acetylation and acid saponification lead to products with different esterification of the hydroxy groups at C2, C3and C6whilst basic saponification leads to uniform acetylation. Furthermore, the solubility of the cellulose acetates depends on the method of preparat