Which of the following is/are a semisynthetic polymers?

Both of the above

The correct answer is option 3. Both of the above.

Semisynthetic polymers are materials that are derived from natural polymers through chemical modification or synthesis processes. They start with a natural polymer as a base and then undergo chemical reactions to alter their properties or structure.

1. Cellulose acetate: It is derived from cellulose, which is a natural polymer found in the cell walls of plants. Cellulose acetate is produced by treating cellulose with acetic acid and acetic anhydride. This process results in the substitution of hydroxyl \((-OH)\) groups in cellulose with acetate \((-COOCH_3)\) groups. Cellulose acetate is commonly used in the production of fibers for textiles, films, and certain types of plastics.

2. Cellulose nitrate (also known as nitrocellulose): Similar to cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate is derived from cellulose. It is produced by treating cellulose with a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid. This reaction results in the nitration of hydroxyl groups in cellulose, forming cellulose nitrate. Cellulose nitrate has been historically used in the production of explosives, lacquers, and certain types of plastics.

Both cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate retain some of the properties of the natural polymer cellulose while also exhibiting new properties due to the chemical modifications they undergo. These semisynthetic polymers have various industrial applications, ranging from textiles and films to explosives and coatings.