To carry out the graft copolymcrization of acrylonitrile(AN) onto a cellulose backbone under homogelleous conditions and to incorporate a strong acitlic group sodium cellulose sulfate(CS) of D.S. 1.14 was synthesized by the reaction or cellulose(MW 166, 000) and 50, -DMF complex. AN was grafted onto CS and the grafting conditions were investigated. Superabsorbent HCSPAH was produced by alkaline hydrolysis of sodium cellulose sulfate-g-PAN (CSPAN). Absorbency, water retention value after centrifuging at 700G. saline absorbency in 0.9% aqueous HaCl solution of HCSPAH and the effect of alkaline hydrolysis conditions on these absorbencies were studied. Optimum alkaline hydrolysis condition was determined from the absorbencies.