Methylcellulose
Synonyms
MC;
Cellulose, methyl ether;
Methyl cellulose;
FEMA No. 2696;
Category
Polymer Surfactant
> Polysaccharide and its Derivatives
>> Non-ionic Polysaccharide and its Derivatives
Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 9004-67-5
EINECS: N/A
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: N/A
Molecular Weight: N/A
Structure
Schematic formula:
Properties
Appearance (1), white powder.
Solubility soluble in cold water.
Stability stable.
Risk Solid form: flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2 and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
mouse intraperitoneal LD50 |
275000mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse intravenous LDLo |
1000mg/kg[1] |
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent film-forming, emulsifying, dispersing, lubricating, sustained-release abilities.
Synthesis
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
80.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Product standards
(1), Chinese standards
(1a), GB 1886.256 Food safety national standard -- Food additive -- Methyl cellulose
(1b), YY 0238 Pharmaceutical excipients -- Methyl cellulose
(1c), Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition) Methylcellulose
4, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances or furtherly test for microorganisms, according to local regulations and standards.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as dispersing agent, emulsifying agent.
Use as film-forming agent.
Use as thickening agent.
Use as sustained-release agent.
Use as adhesive.
Use as suspending agent.
2, Personal care products
Emulsion stabilizer, stabilizer, binding agent, viscosity controlling agent in personal care products.
3, Medicine
Pharmaceutical excipient, use as adhesive, suspending agent. (This section is for reference only, should be implemented according to local Pharmacopoeia.)
4, Food
Use as food additive (thickening agent, perfume).
Manufacturers
References
[1]: ChemIDplus. 9004-67-5, Methylcellulose
Update: 20140911(1); 20200510(2);