Abstract: A method of hydrolyzing cellulose to glucose and other saccharides, involving the bringing together in a reaction area an alphacellulose containing material, water, an effective amount of a calcium chloride catalyst and a minor amount of HCl. The temperature of said reaction mixture is adjusted to between 150.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. at a pressure of at least 160 psig for a retention time of at least 10 seconds in the reaction area to convert the alphacellulose to glucose and other saccharides. The method involves the use of HCl on a total mass basis, ranging from 0.025% to 1.0% by weight of the reaction mixture which is fed into the reactor.

Abstract: A method of hydrolyzing cellulose to glucose and other saccharides, involving the bringing together in a reaction area an alphacellulose containing material, water, an effective amount of a calcium chloride catalyst and a minor amount of a hydrogen ion in a feedstock. The temperature of the feedstock is adjusted to between 150.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. at a pressure of at least 160 psig for a retention time of at least 20 seconds in the reaction area to convert the alphacellulose to said glucose and other saccharides.