Cellulose remains insoluble to most solvents since it has a strong and highly structured intermolecular hydrogen bonding network, which resists common solvents. NMMO is able to break the hydrogen bonding network that keeps cellulose insoluble to water and other solvents. Similar solubility has been obtained in a few solvents, particularly a mix of lithium chloride in dimethyl acetamide and some hydrophilic ionic liquids.