Cellulose, methyl ether

Cellulose, methyl ether - Names and Identifiers

Name	Methyl cellulose
Synonyms	MC adulsin Methocel Methylcellulose Methyl cellulose walsrodermc20000s 'TYLOSE'(R) MH 300 MODIFIED CELLULOSE 'TYLOSE'(R) MH 1000 MODIFIED CELLULOSE, MC CELLULOSE METHYL ETHER Cellulose Methyl Ether Cellulose, methyl ether Methyl cellulose, viscosity 8000 cPs (6S)-3,4,5-trimethoxy-2-(methoxymethyl)-6-[(3R)-4,5,6-trimethoxy-2-(methoxymethyl)tetrahydropyran-3-yl]oxy-tetrahydropyran
CAS	9004-67-5
EINECS	232-674-9
InChI	InChI=1/C12H20O10/c1-21-9-11-13(23-3)15(24-4)18(27-7)20(30-11)31-14-12(10-22-2)29-19(28-8)17(26-6)16(14)25-5/h11-20H,9-10H2,1-8H3/t11?,12?,13?,14-,15?,16?,17?,18?,19?,20+/m1/s1

Cellulose, methyl ether - Physico-chemical Properties

Molecular Formula	C20H38O11
Molar Mass	454.50912
Density	1.01 g/cm3(Temp: 70 °C)
Melting Point	290-305 °C
Boling Point	507°C at 760 mmHg
Flash Point	196.3°C
Water Solubility	SOLUBLE IN COLD WATER
Solubility	Soluble in glacial acetic acid, slowly soluble in cold water and expand into viscose solution, insoluble in acetone, alcohol, ether, toluene, chloroform and hot water.
Vapor Presure	6.67E-10mmHg at 25°C
Appearance	White powder
Color	White, yellow-white or grayish-white
Merck	14,6040
Storage Condition	Room Temperature
Stability	Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, bleach, perchloric acid, nitric acid, perchlorates, alkali nitrates, alkali nitrites, calcium oxide.
Sensitive	Easily absorbing moisture
Refractive Index	1.469
MDL	MFCD00081763
Physical and Chemical Properties	A cellulose methyl ether. White or light yellow or light gray small particles (95% through a 40-mesh sieve), filaments or powder. Odorless and tasteless. It's hygroscopic. The apparent density is 0.3~0.7g/m1. When all R in the structure is methyl, its degree of substitution is equal to 3, and the methoxy content accounts for 45.57%. Methyl cellulose used as a food additive, its methoxy content should be between 26% and 33%, and its corresponding displacement degree should be 1.7 to 2.2. When the degree of displacement is lower than 1.3, it is soluble in alkali, and when it is more than 2.6, it is soluble in organic solvent. It is soluble in cold water, pyridine, aniline, trimethylformamide, benzyl alcohol and glacial acetic acid between 1.3 and 2.6. The aqueous solution is stable at neutral and normal temperature, while at high temperature it produces gelling and precipitation. The gelling temperature depends on the viscosity and concentration of the solution, and the gelling temperature is lower when the viscosity and concentration are large. The presence of inorganic salts can increase the viscosity. Because it is a non-ionic solution, polyvalent metals cannot make it precipitate. Only when the electrolyte concentration and other dissolved substances exceed a certain limit, the gel effect will occur. The aqueous solution is surface active. After drying, it forms a thin film. After heating and cooling, it undergoes a reversible transition from sol to gel.
Use	This product can be used as a sizing agent for textile printing and dyeing, a synthetic resin dispersant, a coating film-forming agent, and a thickener. In the printing and dyeing industry, the original paste used for two-phase printing with vat dyes and reactive dyes requires the use of sodium hydroxide and caustic soda to reduce the vat dyes into a colorless substance before they can be dyed.

Cellulose, methyl ether - Risk and Safety

Safety Description	24/25 - Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
WGK Germany	3
RTECS	FJ5959000
FLUKA BRAND F CODES	3
TSCA	Yes
HS Code	39129000

Cellulose, methyl ether - Reference

Reference

He Ye, Liu Guo-qin. Effect and mechanism analysis of edible coating on oil content and oil penetration of oil cake [J]. Modern Food Science and Technology, 2020, v.36;No.245(01):111 198-203.

Cellulose, methyl ether - Nature

Open Data Verified Data

white powder or fiber, non-toxic. Tasteless. With excellent moisture retention, dispersion and stability. Methylcellulose is the product of the total and partial methylation of the three hydroxyl groups in the glucose that makes up cellulose. If all are methylated, the degree of substitution is 3 and the methoxy content is 45.6%. General products containing methoxy group is 26% ~ 33%, the degree of substitution of 1.7~2.2. The products with degree of substitution of 1.3~2.6 are soluble in water, pyridine and glacial acetic acid, and the products with degree of substitution of 2.4~2.8 are soluble in polar solvents. The nature of the product is related to the degree of substitution. At the same degree of substitution, the more uniform the distribution of the substituents, the lower the degree of polymerization, the better the solubility. When heated, its viscosity initially decreases with the increase of temperature, but when it reaches a certain temperature, it will become viscous and gel. Its powder and air can form an explosive mixture. Combustion explosion was caused by open flame and high heat energy.

Last Update：2025-06-10 22:55:16

Cellulose, methyl ether - Preparation Method

Open Data Verified Data

The wood pulp or cotton pulp (cotton linter) and sodium hydroxide were mixed with water and soaked at about 30 °c. Then, the plate-like alkali cellulose was obtained by pressing. It is broken, so that the alkali cellulose tissue is loose and further homogenized, and the oxygen in the air is degraded, so that the degree of polymerization is reduced, in order to adjust the viscosity of the product. The reaction is then carried out by addition of an excess of methyl chloride, and the etherification is completed. Then the product is washed in hot water, then an appropriate amount of hydrochloric acid (or sulfuric acid) and oxalic acid are added to decolorize, washed to neutral, and dehydrated and dried to obtain a finished product.

Last Update：2025-06-10 22:55:16

Cellulose, methyl ether - Standard

Authoritative Data Verified Data

This product is methyl ether cellulose. The methoxy group (-OCH3) should be 27.0% to 32.0% based on the dry product.

Last Update：2024-01-02 23:10:35

Cellulose, methyl ether - Trait

Authoritative Data Verified Data

This product is white or off-white fibrous or granular powder; Odorless and tasteless.
This product swells in water into a clear or slightly cloudy colloidal solution; It is insoluble in anhydrous ethanol, chloroform or ether.

Last Update：2022-01-01 11:21:49

Cellulose, methyl ether - Introduction

Solubility: This product can be dissolved in cold water to form a transparent viscous solution. Because it contains a certain amount of hydrophobic groups, this product can be dissolved in some organic solvents, and can also be dissolved in a mixed solvent of water and organic matter.

Last Update：2022-10-16 17:29:51

Cellulose, methyl ether - Application

Open Data Verified Data

dispersant for polyvinyl chloride. In cosmetics, medicine, food industry, used as film-forming agent and adhesive, textile dyeing sizing agent, coating film-forming agent and thickener. Used in the construction industry as a mixture of cement, mortar, joint cement.

Last Update：2025-08-19 16:24:40

Cellulose, methyl ether - Differential diagnosis

Authoritative Data Verified Data

take l g of this product, add 100ml of boiling water, stir evenly, cool in an ice bath until a homogeneous clear or slightly turbid solution is formed, 2ml of 0.035% anthrone sulfuric acid solution was slowly added along the test tube wall, placed, and a blue-green ring appeared at the interface of the two solutions.
an appropriate amount of the solution under identification (1) was taken, and the solution was heated to produce a mist-like or plate-like precipitate. After cooling, the precipitate was dissolved.
an appropriate amount of the solution under identification (1) was taken and poured on a glass plate to form a tough film once the moisture was evaporated.
take the solution under identification (1) 0. lm l, add sulfuric acid solution (9- 10)9ml, shake, put boiling water bath heating for 3 minutes, quickly put ice bath cooling, add 0.100 ninhydrin solution 0.6m l, placed at 25°C, the solution is red, minutes unchanged purple.
50ml of the solution under Item (1) of identification is taken, placed in a beaker containing 50ml of water, a thermometer is dipped in the human solution, stirred and heated at a rate of 2 ~ per minute to raise the temperature, the temperature at which the solution becomes cloudy should not be less than 50C.

Last Update：2022-01-01 11:21:49

Cellulose, methyl ether - Safety

Open Data Verified Data

The product is irritating to the eyes and skin. Store in a cool, ventilated warehouse. Keep away from fire and heat source. Keep the container sealed. Prevent sun exposure. Should be stored separately from the oxidant.

Last Update：2025-06-10 22:55:16

Cellulose, methyl ether - Exam

Authoritative Data Verified Data

viscosity

for the test sample with the indicated viscosity lower than 600mPa • s, take 4.0g of this product (based on the dry product), add 196g of water at 90°C, and fully stir for about 10 minutes, cool in an ice bath, keep stirring for another 40 minutes during cooling, add cold water to a total weight of 200g, stir evenly, and adjust the temperature to 20°C ± 1°C, if necessary, the air bubbles in the solution can be removed by decompression method or centrifugation, and the flat viscometer suitable for the inner diameter of the capillary tube is selected for determination according to law (the first method of general rule 0633). The viscosity shall be 80% ~ 120% of the indicated viscosity; for label viscosity not less than 600MPa. s sample, take this product 10. Add 490g of water at 90 ° C., fully stir for about 10 minutes, cool in an ice bath, and keep stirring for another 40 minutes during cooling, add cold water to a total weight of 50 0G, stir well, and adjust the temperature to 20°C ± 0. 1°C, with NDJ-1 type viscometer, select the appropriate rotor and speed as shown in the following table, and measure according to law (General 0633 third method), the viscosity should be 75% ~ 140% of the indicated viscosity.

pH

The solution under the item of viscosity was measured according to law (General rule 0631). The electrode immersion time was 5 minutes ± 0. 5 minutes, and the p H value should be 5. 0-8. 0.

loss on drying

take this product, dry at 105°C for 2 hours, loss of weight shall not exceed 5.0% (General rule 0831).

ignition residue

This product l.O g, inspection according to law (General 0841), residue shall not exceed 1.0%.

Heavy metals

The residue left under the item of taking the ignition residue shall not contain more than 20 parts per million of heavy metal when examined by law (General rule 0821, Law II).

arsenic salt

take this product l.O g, add calcium hydroxide l.O g, mix, add water and stir evenly, after drying, first burn with small fire to charring, then burn at 500~600°C to completely Ash and cool, add hydrochloric acid 8M l and water 23ML, according to the law inspection (General Principles 0822 The first law), should comply with the provisions (0.0002%).

Last Update：2022-01-01 11:21:50

Cellulose, methyl ether - Content determination

Authoritative Data Verified Data

methoxy take this product, precision weighing, according to the methoxy, ethoxy and hydroxypropoxy determination method (General 0712), that is obtained.

Last Update：2022-01-01 11:21:51

Cellulose, methyl ether - Category

Authoritative Data Verified Data

pharmaceutical excipients, adhesives and suspending agents.

Last Update：2022-01-01 11:21:51

Cellulose, methyl ether - Storage

Authoritative Data Verified Data

sealed storage.

Last Update：2022-01-01 11:21:51

Cellulose, methyl ether - Marking

Authoritative Data Verified Data

viscosity is indicated in units of mPa · s or Pa · s.

Last Update：2022-01-01 11:21:51

Cellulose, methyl ether - Reference Information

FEMA	2696 \| METHYL CELLULOSE
EPA chemical substance information	information provided by: ofmpeb.epa.gov (external link)
Overview	methyl cellulose, also known as cellulose methyl ether, abbreviated as MC (abbreviation of methyl cellulose), is a long-chain replacement cellulose. The average molecular weight of methyl cellulose is 10,000~220,000, white powder or fibrous matter at room temperature, non-toxic, no irritation, no allergic effect, apparent relative density of 0.35~0.55 (truth density of 1.26~1.30). Swelling in water into a translucent viscous colloidal solution, the litmus is neutral, insoluble in ethanol, ether and chloroform, soluble in acetic acid. Acid, alkali, microbial, heat, light, etc., are not affected by oil and grease, but will burn when it reaches the ignition point.
Application	methylcellulose is widely used in the construction industry as a binder for cement, mortar, joint desliming, etc. It is used as film-forming agent and adhesive in cosmetics, medicine and food industry. It is also used as textile sizing agent, synthetic resin dispersant, coating film forming agent and thickener. The alkali cellulose is prepared from the pulp, and the alkali cellulose is reacted with methyl chloride or dimethyl sulfate in an autoclave, and then refined with warm water.
Properties and applications	methylcellulose is widely used in various oral and topical preparations, it is also widely used in cosmetics and food. Methylcellulose cannot be digested or absorbed after oral administration and is therefore a non-caloric material. Excessive intake of methylcellulose may temporarily increase flatulence and cause esophageal obstruction if the amount of drinking water is insufficient, but methylcellulose has a laxative effect. methyl cellulose is a hydrophilic colloid, is a highly viscous derivative of cellulose, non-toxic and irritating, with hygroscopicity, in cold water to expand into colloidal suspension, insoluble in hot water, alcohol, ether, chloroform and saturated salt solution. Dissolved in glacial acetic acid and the same amount of mixed alcohol and chloroform solution. The solution can be condensed by salt, polybasic acid, phenol and tannin, and can be prevented by adding ethanol. Methylcellulose is not digested and absorbed in the intestinal lumen. Itself can absorb water, mixed with water to form a large volume of hydrophilic jelly, increase the volume of feces, to soften, and can stimulate intestinal peristalsis, and promote defecation. In Diarrhea of patients, this product can absorb water, reduce the mobility of feces in the intestine, and play a role in stopping diarrhea. Oral 1~4G/d, and at the same time a large amount of drinking water, can be used as a volume of laxatives, for the treatment of constipation. This product has been used as an anorexia agent for appetite control, weight loss, but the effect is not reliable. Methyl Cellulose can be used as: adhesive, preferably low or medium viscosity grade glue, adding powder or solution can be used to improve the disintegration or dissolution rate of drugs; General concentration of 1% ~ 2%. Gel, thickening gel and cream, preferably high viscosity grade. Suspending agent and thickening agent, the solution can replace the syrup, thickening with a concentration of up to 5%. Tablet coating, can be applied to high displacement low viscosity grade film coating; Can also be used as a coating, coated on the outer core as a separation layer. Disintegrating agent, commonly used concentration is 2%~ 10%. Emulsifier, should choose low viscosity grade, the general concentration of 1% ~ 5%. Eye drops, should choose high viscosity grade. information editor: Andrew (chemical book).
stability and storage conditions	methylcellulose powder is stable, slightly hygroscopic, and should be placed in an airtight container, store in a cool and dry place. The methyl cellulose solution is stable to dilute acids and bases with pH values of 3 to 11 at room temperature, and is easily destroyed by microorganisms and putrefied. Therefore, the solution should be added with a preservative or autoclaved. The change of solution viscosity after autoclaving was related to the pH value of solution. For solutions with pH <4, the viscosity decreased by more than 20% after autoclaving.
incompatibility	methylcellulose has incompatibility with amacridine hydrochloride, chlorocresol, mercuric chloride, phenol, resorcinol, P-aminobenzoic acid, etc. Inorganic acid salt, phenol, tannic acid can make methyl cellulose coagulation; And tetracaine, sulfuric acid in the occurrence of complex. There is a combination of parabens, the use of parabens should be increased.
content analysis	the content of methoxy group was determined according to the method in GT 14.
toxicity	ADI is not specified (FAO/WHO,2001). GRAS(FDA,§ 182.1480,2000).
Use limit	FAO/WHO(1984) canned citrus 10mg/kg (used as anti-turbidity agent); cold drink 10 g/kg. According to Japanese regulations (1990), the maximum dosage is 2% (alone or in combination with calcium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl starch, sodium starch phosphate). Still used as emulsion stabilizer of ice cream, the amount of 0.05%; Salad sauce 0.75%; Bread to prevent aging, such as surface homogenization 0.2% ~ 0.3%. For citrus canned to prevent the precipitation of hesperidin, juice as anti-white turbidity agent to add 10~30mg/kg.
Use	thickeners; Stabilizers; Emulsifiers; Excipients; Dispersants; Binders; Film formers hydrosol substitutes. Also used in mayonnaise, shortening and some other foods. Because this product is not digested in the body, can maintain several times of water, resulting in a sense of satiety, can be used to comb biscuits, waffle and other made into efficacy of food. When used, the powder is first moistened with about 1/5 of the required amount of water, followed by additional cold water (ice may be added if necessary) and stirred evenly. EEC: used for frozen foam products, potato chips, soft drinks, special dietary foods, baked goods filling, foaming top material, sauce, sauce. This product is widely used in the construction industry. Such as the use of cement, mortar, joint cement, etc. It is used as an adhesive for film-forming agents in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food industries, and is also used as a sizing agent for textile printing and dyeing, a synthetic resin dispersant, a coating film-forming agent, and a thickener. Methyl fiber is a very stable material, can resist acid, alkali, microorganism, heat and so on. In the human body, completely unchanged and excreted in vitro. used as synthetic resin dispersant, coating film forming agent, thickener, building material adhesive, textile dyeing and dyeing sizing agent, pharmaceutical and food industry film forming agent, etc. thickener; Stabilizer; Emulsifier; Excipient; dispersant; Adhesive; Film-forming agent hydrosol substitute. Also used in mayonnaise, shortening and some other foods. Because this product is not digested in the body, can maintain several times of water, resulting in a sense of satiety, can be used to comb biscuits, waffle and other made into efficacy of food. First of all, wet the powder with about 1/5 of the water required, Add additional cold water (ice may be added if necessary) and stir evenly. EEC: used for frozen foam products, potato chips, soft drinks, special dietary foods, baked goods filling, foaming top material, sauce, sauce. bone marrow cells were cultured in semi-solid methylcellulose medium by pulse-field capillary electrophoresis on thousands of nucleotides in dilute methylcellulose solution. Used in the pharmaceutical industry as protective colloids and dispersants, extenders, stabilizing and emulsifying agents, adhesives. The aqueous suspension is neutral to litmus paper, and has different types of molecular weight of 4000~180000, generally containing 25 ~ 30% methoxy groups. Solubility: This product can dissolve in cold water, forming a transparent viscous solution. Because it contains a certain amount of hydrophobic groups, so this product can be dissolved in some organic solvents, but also soluble in water and organic mixed solvent. Salt resistance: This product is a non-ionic and non-polymeric electrolyte, therefore, it is relatively stable in aqueous solution of metal salts or organic electrolytes. Gelation or precipitation may be caused in case of excess electrolyte. Surface activity: this water solution has surface activity, with the function of colloid protective agent, emulsifier and dispersant. Thermal gelation: when heated to a certain temperature, the aqueous methyl cellulose solution becomes an opaque solution due to gel or precipitation. However, it gradually cools down and then changes to the original solution state. The temperature at which coagulation and precipitation occur depends on the type of product, the concentration of the solution and the heating rate. Low ash content: using the thermal gel properties of this product, hot water washing is used in the preparation process, so as to achieve the purpose of refining, so its ash content is very low. Incompatibility: acridine hydrochloride, chloro-cresol, mercuric chloride, phenol, ralzocin, tannic acid, silver nitrate, decahexyl pyridyl hydrochloride, P-Hydroxybenzoic acid, P-aminobenzoic acid, P-hydroxy
production method	alkali fiber is prepared from pulp and then etherified with methyl chloride. Pulp according to different sources, there are cotton pulp, wood pulp, straw pulp, industry is usually used in wood pulp and cotton pulp (cotton linter). Cellulose in pulp itself is difficult to methyl chloride, must first be made into alkali cellulose. Mix 1 part of cellulose, 0.9-1.2 parts of sodium hydroxide with 0.9-1.2 parts by weight of water, and soak for 1-2H at about 30 °c. The excess alkali solution was then removed by pressing to obtain the agglomerated alkali cellulose. The alkali cellulose tissue is crushed, and the alkali cellulose tissue is loose and further homogenized, and the oxygen in the air is reacted. The degradation of the alkali cellulose reduces the polymerization, and the purpose of adjusting the viscosity of the product is achieved. The alkali cellulose of the aging process is suspended in excess methyl chloride (generally 10-15 times the weight of the pulp), and the etherification can be completed by reacting at 60-70 ℃ for about 5H, the corresponding reaction pressure was about 1.7MPa. Post-treatment of the product includes washing and drying of the finished product. Generally, it is washed in hot water at 80-90 ℃, neutralized by adding appropriate amount of hydrochloric acid (or sulfuric acid), and oxalic acid is added to complex with iron and heavy metals, the water is removed along with salts such as sodium chloride. The washed product is dehydrated and dried to obtain a finished methyl cellulose product. wood pulp or cotton was treated with alkali, and alkali cellulose was methylated with methane chloride. Certain commercial articles contain small amounts (up to 5%) of Hydroxyethyl and/or hydroxypropyl substituted cellulose. For these products, The content indicator shall be calculated as% methoxy plus% ethoxy and/or propoxy and expressed as "total alkoxy" content.
toxic substance data	information provided by: pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (external link)