A process called sizing chemically modifies the cellulose in paper. As a result, the paper resists wetting (and thus prevent inks from running). In addition, sizing leaves the paper in a slightly alkaline state. (Acid-free paper lasts much longer than paper that is not acid free.)
One sizing process involves treatment of cellulose with 2-alkylsuccinic anhydrides (where R and R' are short alkyl groups-for example, ethyl or propyl groups):

(a) What general reaction occurs when this sizing agent reacts with cellulose at pH 7?
(b) Why should this treatment cause the cellulose to become more resistant to wetting? (In answering this question, think of wetting as a solvation phenomenon.)
(c) Why does this treatment cause the paper to be slightly alkaline? That is, what basic group does this treatment introduce?

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