Abstract: In the manufacture of cellulose glycolate, a reaction mixture comprising per 1 part by weight of cellulose 0.2 to 0.6 part by weight of sodium hydroxide, 0.5 to 1.75 parts by weight of sodium monochloroacetate, 7 to 22 parts by weight of isopropanol, and from 20% to 50% by weight, based on the weight of isopropanol, of water is subjected to shearing forces at a temperature less than 30.degree. C to effect intimate mixing and then reacted to cause etherification of the cellulose in a reaction area held at a temperature in the range of 60.degree. C to 90.degree. C and held constant within each section of the reaction area. The residence time of the mixture in the mixing zone is at most one-tenth of its residence time in the reaction area. The solid and liquid components of the reaction mixture after etherification are separated mechanically.