This phosphorylation method is accompanied by an excessive chlorination. Cellulose derivatives have been phosphated by acids or acid chlorides of pentavalent phosphorus. Carboxymethyl cellulose with a DS of 0.8 was converted to an ether ester with a degree of substitution on phosphate groups (DSP) of 0.3 in H3PO4/urea. Using hydroxyethyl cellulose (molar substitution of 2.0) a considerable higher DSP of 0.6 was obtained under comparable reaction conditions. Cellulose mix esters result in materials with novel properties which are commercial interesting. One example is the introduction of unsaturated carboxylic esters provides crosslinkable functionality to cellulose esters in the formation of hard, scratch resistant, and solvent resistant surface following radiation curing. The presence cellulose ester produces a quick drying, workable lacquer that is easily buffed, sanded or removed with solvent as needed prior to crosslinking.