The present disclosure generally relates to open chain modified cellulosic pulps and methods for making and using the same. More specifically, the open chain modified cellulosic pulps described herein may be made by oxidation of a cellulosic pulp, followed by reduction of the oxidized groups, resulting in a modified pulp having an improved open chain configuration that may be more efficiently converted into cellulosic derivative products. This disclosure further relates to improved cellulosic derivative products made therefrom, for example, cellulose esters, cellulose ethers, and regenerated cellulose products.