Carboxymethyl cellulose CAS#9000-11-7
Excellent Water Solubility – Easily dissolves in both cold and hot water for versatile applications.
Strong Emulsifying and Dispersing Ability – Enhances stability in various formulations.
High Stability and Resistance to Degradation – Maintains performance under diverse conditions.
Safe and Biocompatible – Physiologically inert, making it suitable for use in food, pharmaceuticals, and industry.
CMC is a vital cellulose ether and a water-soluble anionic polymer derived from the chemical modification of natural fibers. It dissolves readily in both cold and hot water and exhibits exceptional physicochemical properties such as strong emulsifying and dispersing capabilities, high stability against degradation, and physiological inertness. These characteristics make it a highly versatile and widely applied natural polymer derivative.
Carboxymethyl cellulose Chemical Properties
Density | 1.050 g/cm3(Temp: 15-18 °C) |
FEMA | 2239 | CARBOXYMETHYLCELLULOSE |
Storage temp | 2-8°C |
Solubility | Practically insoluble in anhydrous ethanol. It swells with water to form a suspension and becomes viscid in 1 M sodium hydroxide. |
Form | Preswollen, microgranular |
Color | White to off-white |
Odor | Odorless |
Stability | Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. |
InChI | InChI=1S/C6H12O6/c7-1-3(9)5(11)6(12)4(10)2-8/h1,3-6,8-12H,2H2 |
InChIKey | GZCGUPFRVQAUEE-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
SMILES | C(=O)C(O)C(O)C(O)C(O)CO |
LogP | -3.17 |
CAS DataBase Reference | 9000-11-7(CAS DataBase Reference) |
EPA Substance Registry System | Cellulose, carboxymethyl ether (9000-11-7) |
WGK Germany | 1 |
RTECS | FJ5700000 |
HS Code | 3912310000 |
Toxicity | LD50 unreported in mammal (species unspecified): 13340mg/kg |
Food Applications
CMC serves as an efficient thickener and stabilizer, enhancing food texture and mouthfeel by increasing viscosity—such as providing smoothness to ice cream and preventing whey separation in yogurt. It works synergistically with proteins and starches to prevent ingredient separation and extend shelf life. In low-fat foods, CMC can act as a fat substitute, replicating the creamy texture of full-fat products.
Battery Applications
In zinc-manganese and lithium-ion batteries, CMC functions as an electrolyte thickener, forming a gel network that stabilizes the electrolyte, prevents leakage, and facilitates ion migration for improved conductivity. It also serves as a binder in electrodes, enhancing adhesion between active materials and current collectors while reducing structural degradation during charge–discharge cycles.
Pharmaceutical Applications
CMC is used as a binder and controlled-release agent in pharmaceuticals, improving tablet integrity and regulating drug release rates. In medical dressings, it forms a hydrating gel layer that supports wound healing, offering excellent biocompatibility and safety.
