Cellulose Ethers
| Formula: | [C₆H₇O₂(OH)₃₋ₓ(OCH₃)ₓ]ₙ (general structure, varies by substitution) |
| CAS Number: | 9004-32-4 (CMC); 9004-65-3 (HPMC); 9004-62-0 (HEC); 9004-67-5 (MC); 9004-57-3 (EC) |
| EC Number (EINECS): | Not assigned (polymeric substance) |
| HS Code: | 39123900 (for methyl cellulose & derivatives) |
| UN Number: | Not classified as dangerous goods |
| IUPAC Name: | Cellulose, ether derivatives (varies by type) |
| Also Known As: | Methylcellulose (MC); Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC); Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC); Ethylcellulose (EC); Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) |
| Molecular Weight, g/mol: | Variable (depends on substitution & degree of polymerization) |
Typical Specifications
| Appearance: | White to off-white powder/granules |
| Odor: | Odorless |
| Solubility: | Soluble or dispersible in water (varies) |
| pH (1% solution): | 6.0–8.0 (grade dependent) |
| Purity, %: | ≥99 |
| Grades Available: | Pharmaceutical, Food, Industrial |
| Packaging: | 25kg bags, 500kg jumbo bags |
Applications / Uses
Primary Applications
-
Pharmaceutical excipient (binder, film former, controlled release)
-
Food additive (thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier)
-
Construction materials (tile adhesives, mortars, plasters)
-
Paints & coatings (rheology modifier, stabilizer)
Secondary Applications
-
Cosmetics & personal care (lotions, creams, shampoos)
-
Detergents (thickener, stabilizer)
-
Oilfield chemicals (fluid loss control, viscosity modifier)
-
Paper & textile industry (sizing, finishing)
End Industries Served: Pharmaceuticals, Food & Beverages, Construction, Paints & Coatings, Personal Care, Detergents, Oilfield, Textiles, Paper
Safety & Handling Information
Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
Hazard Statements (H-Codes):
-
May cause dust irritation to eyes and respiratory tract
Precautionary Statements (P-Codes):
-
P261: Avoid breathing dust
-
P280: Wear protective gloves/eye protection
-
P305 + P351 + P338: IF IN EYES – rinse cautiously with water
Storage Conditions
-
Store in dry, cool, well-ventilated place
-
Protect from moisture and direct sunlight
-
Keep container tightly closed
Transport Information
-
ADR/RID: Not classified as dangerous goods
-
IMDG: Not classified as dangerous goods
-
IATA: Not classified as dangerous goods
Regulatory Information
-
REACH Status (EU): Exempt (polymeric substances)
-
FDA Approval: Approved as food additive (e.g., CMC = E466, HPMC = E464, MC = E461, HEC = E463, EC = E462)
-
ISO Certification: Available on request (ISO 9001 / GMP grades)
-
Country Standards: Meets USP, EP, FCC depending on grade