Carboxymethyl Cellulose CAS#9000-11-7
Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a key cellulose ether and a water-soluble anionic polymer produced by chemical modification of natural fibers. It dissolves readily in both cold and hot water and exhibits valuable physicochemical properties, including excellent emulsifying and dispersing abilities, resistance to degradation, and physiological inertness, making it a widely used natural polymer derivative.
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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 |
![Carboxymethyl cellulose CAS#9000-11-7]( "Carboxymethyl cellulose CAS#9000-11-7")
Product Usage
Food Applications
CMC serves as an effective thickener and stabilizer, enhancing food texture and mouthfeel by increasing viscosity—for example, providing a smooth texture in ice cream and preventing whey separation in yogurt. It also works synergistically with proteins and starches to prevent ingredient separation and extend shelf life. In low-fat foods, CMC can replace fat, mimicking 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 and prevents leakage. It also promotes ion migration and improves conductivity. As a binder in electrodes, it enhances adhesion between active materials and the current collector, reducing structural collapse during repeated charge/discharge cycles.
Pharmaceutical Applications
CMC acts as a pharmaceutical binder and controlled-release carrier, improving tablet formulation and regulating drug release rates. In medical dressings, it forms a moisturizing gel layer that supports wound healing while maintaining excellent biocompatibility and safety.
![Carboxymethyl cellulose CAS#9000-11-7]( "Carboxymethyl cellulose CAS#9000-11-7")
