SODIUM CARBOXYMETHYL CELLULOSE

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is the sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose, an anionic cellulose ether in which some of the hydroxyl groups of the cellulose molecule have been replaced with a carboxy group.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a thickening agent that is made by reacting cellulose (wood pulp, cotton lint) with a derivative of acetic acid (the acid in vinegar).

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a water dispersible sodium salt of carboxy-methyl ether of cellulose that forms a clear colloidal solution.

CAS Number: 9004-32-4

EC Number: 618-378-6

Molecular Formula: [C6H7O2(OH)x(OCH2COONa)]

Synonyms: cellulose gum, CMC, Na CMC, Sodium cellulose glycolate, Sodium CMC, Cellulose Glycolic Acid Sodium Salt, Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Sodium Cellulose Glycolate, Sodium Tylose, Tylose Sodium, C.M.C., C.m.c., C.m.c. (TN): , Carboxymethylcellulose sodium, Carboxymethylcellulose sodium (usp), Carmellose sodium: , Carmellose sodium (JP15), Celluvisc, Celluvisc (TN): , Sodium 2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanal acetic acid, 9004-32-4, SODIUM CARBOXYMETHYL CELLULOSE, Cellulose gum, Carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium salt, sodium;2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanal;acetate, Carboxymethylcellulose sodium (USP), Carboxymethylcellulose cellulose carboxymethyl ether, CMC powder, Celluvisc (TN), C8H15NaO8, Carmellose sodium (JP17), CHEMBL242021, C.M.C. (TN), CHEBI:31357, E466, K625, D01544, Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium – Viscosity 100 – 300 mPa.s, Cellulose Glycolic Acid Sodium Salt (n=approx. 500), Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (n=approx. 500)Sodium Cellulose Glycolate (n=approx. 500), Sodium Tylose (n=approx. 500), Tylose Sodium (n=approx. 500), 12M31Xp, 1400Lc, 2000Mh, 30000A, 7H3Sf, 7H3Sx, 7H4Xf, 7L2C, 7Mxf, 9H4F-Cmc, 9H4Xf, 9M31X, 9M31Xf, AG, Ac-Of-Sol, Antizol, Aoih, Aquacel, Aquaplast, Blanose, CMC, CMC-Na, Cellcosan, Cellofas, Cellogen, Cellpro, Cellugel, Cepol, Cmc-Clt, Cmc-Lvt, Cmcna, Collowel, Covagel, Dehydazol, Diko, Dissolvo, Dte-Nv, Ethoxose, F-Sl, Finnfix, Hpc-Mfp, KMTs, Kiccolate, Lovosa, Lucel, Marpolose, Micell, Natrium-Carboxymethyl-Cellulose, Nymcel, Orabase, PATs-V, Pac-R, Relatin, Scmc, Serogel, Sichozell, Sunrose, T.P.T, VinoStab, Yo-Eh, Yo-L, Yo-M, Substituents:: , Hexose monosaccharide, Medium-chain aldehyde, Beta-hydroxy aldehyde, Acetate salt, Alpha-hydroxyaldehyde, Carboxylic acid salt, Secondary alcohol, Carboxylic acid derivative, Carboxylic acid, Organic alkali metal salt, Monocarboxylic acid or derivatives, Polyol, Organic sodium salt, Aldehyde, Hydrocarbon derivative, Alcohol, Organic oxide, Carbonyl group, Primary alcohol, Organic salt, Organic zwitterion, Aliphatic acyclic compound, Carboxymethyl cellulose, Cellulose, carboxymethyl ether, 7H3SF, AC-Di-sol. NF, AKU-W 515, Aquaplast, Avicel RC/CL, B 10, B 10 (Polysaccharide), Blanose BS 190, Blanose BWM, CM-Cellulose sodium salt, CMC, CMC 2, CMC 3M5T, CMC 41A, CMC 4H1, CMC 4M6, CMC 7H, CMC 7H3SF, CMC 7L1, CMC 7M, CMC 7MT, CMC sodium salt, Carbose 1M, Carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt, Carboxymethylcellulose sodium, low-substituted, Carmellose sodium, low-substituted, Carmethose, Cellofas, Cellofas B, Cellofas B5, Cellofas B50, Cellofas B6, Cellofas C, Cellogel C, Cellogen 3H, Cellogen PR, Cellogen WS-C, Cellpro, Cellufix FF 100, Cellufresh, Cellugel, Cellulose carboxymethyl ether sodium salt, Cellulose glycolic acid, sodium salt, Cellulose gum, Cellulose sodium glycolate, Cellulose, carboxymethyl ether, sodium salt, low-substituted, Celluvisc, Collowel, Copagel PB 25, Courlose A 590, Courlose A 610, Courlose A 650, Courlose F 1000G, Courlose F 20, Courlose F 370, Courlose F 4, Courlose F 8, Daicel 1150, Daicel 1180, Edifas B, Ethoxose, Fine Gum HES, Glikocel TA, KMTs 212, KMTs 300, KMTs 500, KMTs 600, Lovosa, Lovosa 20alk., Lovosa TN, Lucel (polysaccharide), Majol PLX, Modocoll 1200, NaCm-cellulose salt, Nymcel S, Nymcel ZSB 10, Nymcel ZSB 16, Nymcel slc-T, Polyfibron 120, Refresh Plus, Cellufresh Formula, S 75M, Sanlose SN 20A, Sarcell TEL, Sodium CM-cellulose, Sodium CMC, Sodium carboxmethylcellulose, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, Sodium carboxymethylcellulose, Sodium cellulose glycolate, Sodium glycolate cellulose, Sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose, Tylose 666; Tylose C, Tylose C 1000P, Tylose C 30, Tylose C 300, Tylose C 600, Tylose CB 200, Tylose CB series, Tylose CBR 400, Tylose CBR series, Tylose CBS 30, Tylose CBS 70, Tylose CR, Tylose CR 50, Tylose DKL, Unisol RH, Carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium salt, Cellulose, carboxymethyl ether, sodium salt, Orabase, Cellulose carboxymethyl ether, sodium salt, Cethylose, Cel-O-Brandt, Glykocellon, Carbose D, Xylo-Mucine, Tylose MGA, Cellolax, Polycell, SODIUM CARBOXYMETHYL CELLULOSE, 9004-32-4, sodium;2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanal;acetate, UNII-NTZ4DNW8J6, UNII-6QM647NAYU, UNII-WR51BRI81M, UNII-7F32ERV10S, Carboxymethylcelulose, sodium salt, Carboxymethylcellulose sodium (USP), Carboxymethylcellulose sodium [USP], Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose; (Dowex 11), CMC powder, Celluvisc (TN), Carmellose sodium (JP17), CHEMBL242021, C.M.C. (TN), CHEBI:31357, E466, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (MW 250000), D01544, Acétate de sodium – hexose (1:1:1) [French] [ACD/IUPAC Name], Natriumacetat -hexose (1:1:1) [German] [ACD/IUPAC Name], Sodium acetate – hexose (1:1:1) [ACD/IUPAC Name], [9004-32-4] [RN], 9004-32-4 [RN], C.M.C. [Trade name], CARBOXYMETHYL CELLULOSE, SODIUM SALT, Carboxymethylcellulose sodium [USP], Carmellose sodium [JP15], Celluvisc [Trade name], cmc, MFCD00081472

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose or cellulose gum is a cellulose derivative with carboxymethyl groups (-CH2-COOH) bound to some of the hydroxyl groups of the glucopyranose monomers that make up the cellulose backbone.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is often used as its sodium salt, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose used to be marketed under the name Tylose, a registered trademark of SE Tylose.

Sodium Carboxymethyl cellulose is an anionic water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose by etherification, substituting the hydroxyl groups with carboxymethyl groups on the cellulose chain.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a water dispersible sodium salt of carboxy-methyl ether of cellulose that forms a clear colloidal solution.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a hygroscopic material that has the ability to absorb more than 50% of water at high humidity.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is also a natural polymeric derivative that can be used in detergents, food and textile industries.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, the most widely used water-based biopolymer binder in the laboratory at present, is a linear derivative of cellulose substituted by β–linked glucopyranose residues and carboxymethyl groups.

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is the sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose, an anionic cellulose ether in which some of the hydroxyl groups of the cellulose molecule have been replaced with a carboxy group.

Sodium Carboxymethyl cellulose, also referred to as cellulose gum, is an efficient thickener and binder for water based applications including adhesives, coatings, inks, gel packs, drilling mud and battery electrodes.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is the sodium salt of cellulose arboxymethyl and frequently used as viscous agent, paste and barrier agent.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a cellulose derivative that consists of the cellulose backbone made up of glucopyranose monomers and their hydroxyl groups bound to carboxymethyl groups.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is added in food products as a viscosity modifier or thickener and emulsifier.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is also one of the most common viscous polymers used in artificial tears, and has shown to be effective in the treatment of aqueous tear-deficient dry eye symptoms and ocular surface staining.

The viscous and mucoadhesive properties as well as Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose anionic charge allow prolonged retention time in the ocular surface.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is the most commonly used salt.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is one of the important modified cellulose, a water-soluble cellulose, which is widely used in many application of food, pharmaceuticals, detergent, paper coating, dispersing agent, and others.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose addition possibly increases the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation features of Magnesium.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a thickening agent that is made by reacting cellulose (wood pulp, cotton lint) with a derivative of acetic acid (the acid in vinegar).

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is also called cellulose gum.

Sodium Carboxymethyl cellulose has long been considered safe, but a 2015 study funded by the National Institutes of Health raised some doubts.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose found that both Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and another emulsifier (polysorbate 80) affected gut bacteria and triggered inflam­matory bowel disease symptoms and other changes in the gut, as well as obesity and a set of obesity-related disease risk factors known as metabolic syndrome.

In mice that were predisposed to colitis, the emulsifiers promoted the disease.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is possible that polysorbates, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and other emulsifiers act like detergents to disrupt the mucous layer that lines the gut, and that the results of the study may apply to other emulsifiers as well.

Research is needed to determine long-term effects of these and other emulsifiers at levels that people consume.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is not absorbed or digested, so the FDA allows Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose to be included with “dietary fiber” on food labels.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose isn’t as healthful as fiber that comes from natural foods.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is an anionic water-soluble polymer based on renewable cellulosic raw material.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose functions as a rheology modifier, binder, dispersant, and an excellent film former.

These attributes make Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose a preferred choice as a bio-based hydrocolloid in multiple applications.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose or cellulose gum is a cellulose derivative with carboxymethyl groups (-CH2-COOH) bound to some of the hydroxyl groups of the glucopyranose monomers that make up the cellulose backbone.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, Sodium Salt is the most often used form of cellulose gum.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used in a variety of industries as a thickener and/or to prepare stable emulsions in both food and non-food products.

Insoluble microgranular Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used as a cation-exchange resin in ion-exchange chromatography for purification of proteins.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose has also been used extensively to characterize enzyme activity from endoglucanases (part of the cellulase complex).

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose can be used to stabilize palladized iron nanoparticles, which can further be utilized in the dichlorination of contaminated subsurfaces.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose may also be used as a polymeric matrix to form a composite with a crystalline nanofibril for the development of sustainable bio-based polymers.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose can also bind with a hard carbon electrode for the fabrication of sodium ion-batteries.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a water dispersible sodium salt of carboxy-methyl ether of cellulose that forms a clear colloidal solution.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a hygroscopic material that has the ability to absorb more than 50% of water at high humidity.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is also a natural polymeric derivative that can be used in detergents, food and textile industries.

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is an anionic polymer with a clarified solution dissolved in cold or hot water.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose functions as a thickening rheology modifier, moisture retention agent, texture/body building agent, suspension agent, and binding agent in personal products and toothpaste.

Adding Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose into toothpaste has obvious effects in binding and body structure.

Due to Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose’s good uniform substitution ability, excellent salt tolerance and acid resistance, the toothpaste can be easily extruded and show better appearance, and impart a smooth and comfortable toothfeel.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium appears as white, fibrous, free-flowing powder, and is used commonly as an FDA-approved disintegrant in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Disintegrants facilitate the breakup of a tablet in the intestinal tract after oral administration.

Without a disintegrant, tablets may not dissolve appropriately and may effect the amount of active ingredient absorbed, thereby decreasing effectiveness.

According to the FDA Select Committee on GRAS food Substances, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is virtually unabsorbed.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is generally regarded as safe when used in normal quantities.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is the sodium salt of a carboxymethyl ether of cellulose obtained from plant material.

In essence, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a chemically modified cellulose that has a carboxymethyl ether group (-O-CH2-COO-) bound to some of the hydroxyl groups of the glucopyranose monomers that make up the cellulose backbone.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is available in different degrees of substitution, generally in the range 0.6 – 0.95 derivatives per monomer unit, and molecular weights.

Commercial grades of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose are supplied as white to almost white, odourless, tasteless, granular powders.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a derivative of cellulose, in which part of the hydroxyl is linked to a carboxymethyl group (–CH2–COOH) as ether.

Sodium carboxymethyl celluloses are not soluble in water in an acidic form, but they dissolve well in basic solvents.

They are used, e.g., to monitor filtration or to increase the viscosity of drilling fluids.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is available in different viscosity grades and purity levels.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is able to form solid gels.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose also strengthens the effect of emulsifiers and prevents undesirable substantive lumps.

As Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose forms robust, smooth films, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is also used as a coating agent.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is the only cellulose derivative that can also form and stabilize foams.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is derived from natural cellulose, or plant fibre.

In Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose dry form, it’s an odourless and flavourless white, grey or yellow powder that dissolves in water.

When used in cosmetics, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose stops lotions and creams from separating and controls the thickness and texture of liquids, creams and gels.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (technically, Carboxymethylcelluloses) is a family of chemically modified cellulose derivatives containing the carboxymethyl ether group (-O-CH2-COO-) bound to some of the hydroxyl groups of the glucopyranose monomers that make up the cellulose backbone.

When Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is recovered and presented as the Sodium salt, the resulting polymer is what is known as Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and has the general chemical formula, [C6H7O2(OH)x(OCH2COONa)y]n.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose was discovered shortly after Word War 1 and has been produced commercially since the early 1930s.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is produced by treating cellulose with an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution followed by monochloroacetic acid or Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt.

In a parallel reaction two by-products, sodium chloride and sodium glycolate, are produced.

Once these by-products are removed, high purity Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is obtained.

As a general rule, the obtained material has a slight excess of sodium hydroxide and has to be neutralised.

The neutralisation endpoint can affect the properties of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

In the final step, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is dried, milled to the desired particle size, and packaged.

Food and pharmaceutical grade Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is required by law to contain not less than 99.5% pure Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and a maximum of 0.5% of residual salts (sodium chloride and sodium glycolate).

The degree of substitution (DS) can vary between 0.2-1.5, although Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is generally in the range of 0.6-0.95.

The DS determines the behaviour of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose in water: Grades with DS >0.6 form colloidal solutions in water that are transparent and clear, i.e the higher the content of carboxymethyl groups, the higher the solubility and smoother the solutions obtained.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose with a DS below 0.6 tends to be only partially soluble.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is available as a white to almost white, odourless, tasteless, granular powder.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is the sodium salt of a carboxymethyl ether of 13 cellulose.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose contains not less than 6.0 percent and not more than 12.0 percent of 14 sodium (Na) on the dried basis, corresponding to 0.53 -1.45 degree of 15 substitution.

Applications of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose:

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC, methyl cellulose, Methylcellulose) is a modified cellulose gum (Thickener is E461).

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose tends to give clear, slightly gummy, solutions.

They are generally soluble in cold water and insoluble in hot.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used to thicken dry mix beverage, syrups, ripples and ice cream, and also to stabilise ice cream, batters and sour milk.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose gives moisture retention to cake mixes and water binding and thickening to icings.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose can be used as a binder in the preparation of graphene nano-platelet based inks for the fabrication of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose can also be used as a viscosity enhancer in the development of tyrosinase based inks for the formation of electrodes for biosensor applications.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used as a support material for a variety of cathodes and anodes for microbial fuel cells.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used as a highly effective additive to improve Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and processing properties in various fields of application – from foodstuffs, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to products for the paper and textile industries.

Building material additives, printing inks, coatings, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, paper or textiles – there’s a long and growing list of applications.

Special-purpose cellulose derivatives produced by Wolff Cellulosics provide invisible yet indispensable benefits in countless everyday products.

Fields of Application:

Our cellulosic products perform all kinds of different functions in the various fields of application. 

Their capabilities include:

Water retention

Gelling

Emulsifying

Suspending

Absorbing

Stabilising

Bonding

Forming films

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is also used in numerous medical applications.

Some examples include:

Device for epistaxis (nose bleeding).

A poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) balloon is covered by Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose knitted fabric reinforced by nylon.

The device is soaked in water to form a gel, which is inserted into the nose of the balloon and inflated.

The combination of the inflated balloon and the therapeutic effect of the Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose stops the bleeding.

Fabric used as a dressing following ear nose and throat surgical procedures.

Water is added to form a gel, and this gel is inserted into the sinus cavity following surgery.

In ophthalmology, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used as a lubricating agent in artificial tears solutions for the treatment of dry eyes.

In veterinary medicine, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used in abdominal surgeries in large animals, particularly horses, to prevent the formation of bowel adhesions.

Research applications:

Insoluble Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (water-insoluble) can be used in the purification of proteins, particularly in the form of charged filtration membranes or as granules in cation-exchange resins for ion-exchange chromatography.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose low solubility is a result of a lower DS value (the number of carboxymethyl groups per anhydroglucose unit in the cellulose chain) compared to soluble Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

Insoluble Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose offers physical properties similar to insoluble cellulose, while the negatively charged carboxylate groups allow Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose to bind to positively charged proteins.

Insoluble Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose can also be chemically cross-linked to enhance the mechanical strength of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

Moreover, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose has been used extensively to characterize enzyme activity from endoglucanases (part of the cellulase complex); Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a highly specific substrate for endo-acting cellulases, as Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose structure has been engineered to decrystallize cellulose and create amorphous sites that are ideal for endoglucanase action.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is desirable because the catalysis product (glucose) is easily measured using a reducing sugar assay, such as 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid.

Using Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose in enzyme assays is especially important in screening for cellulase enzymes that are needed for more efficient cellulosic ethanol conversion.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose was misused in early work with cellulase enzymes, as many had associated whole cellulase activity with Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose hydrolysis.

As the mechanism of cellulose depolymerization became better understood, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose became clear that exo-cellulases are dominant in the degradation of crystalline (e.g. Avicel) and not soluble (e.g. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose) cellulose.

In food applications:

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used as a stabiliser, thickener, film former, suspending agent and extender.

Applications include ice cream, dressings, pies, sauces, and puddings.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is available in various viscosities depending on the function Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is to serve.

In non food applications:

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is sold under a variety of trade names and is used as a thickener and emulsifier in various cosmetic products, and also as a treatment of constipation.

Like cellulose, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is not digestible, not toxic, and not allergenic.

Some practitioners are using this for weight loss.

Treatment of constipation:

When eaten, methylcellulose is not absorbed by the intestines but passes through the digestive tract undisturbed.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose attracts large amounts of water into the colon, producing a softer and bulkier stool.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used to treat constipation, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose should be taken with sufficient amounts of fluid to prevent dehydration.

Because Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose absorbs water and potentially toxic materials and increases viscosity, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose can also be used to treat diarrhea.

Lubricant:

Methylcellulose is used as a variable viscosity personal lubricant; Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is the main ingredient in K-Y Jelly.

Artificial tears and saliva:

Solutions containing methylcellulose or similar cellulose derivatives are used as substitute for tears or saliva if the natural production of these fluids is disturbed.

Paper and textile sizing:

Methylcellulose is used as sizing in the production of papers and textiles.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose protects the fibers from absorbing water or oil.

Special effects:

The slimy, gooey appearance of an appropriate preparation of methylcellulose with water, in addition to Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose non-toxic, non-allergenic, and edible properties, makes Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose popular for use in special effects for motion pictures and television wherever vile slimes must be simulated. 

In the film Ghostbusters, for example, the gooey substance that supernatural entities used to “slime” the Ghostbusters was mostly a thick water solution of methylcellulose.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is also often used in the pornographic industry to simulate semen in large quantity, in order to shoot movies related to bukkake fetish.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is preferable to food-based fake semen (e.g., condensed milk) because this last solution can often cause problems, especially when the ingredient used contains sugar.

Sugar is thought to encourage yeast infection when Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is injected in the vagina.

Applications in Pharmaceutical Formulations or Technology:

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (technically, Carboxymethylcelluloses) is a family of chemically modified cellulose derivatives containing the carboxymethyl ether group (-O-CH2-COO-) bound to some of the hydroxyl groups of the glucopyranose monomers that make up the cellulose backbone.

When Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is recovered and presented as the Sodium salt, the resulting polymer is what is known as Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and has the general chemical formula, [C6H7O2(OH)x(OCH2COONa)y]n.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose was discovered shortly after Word War 1 and has been produced commercially since the early 1930s.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is produced by treating cellulose with an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution followed by monochloroacetic acid or Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt.

In a parallel reaction two by-products, sodium chloride and sodium glycolate, are produced.

Once these by-products are removed, high purity Sodium Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is obtained.

As a general rule, the obtained material has a slight excess of sodium hydroxide and has to be neutralised.

The neutralisation endpoint can affect the properties of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

In the final step, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is dried, milled to the desired particle size, and packaged.

Food and pharmaceutical grade Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is required by law to contain not less than 99.5% pure Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and a maximum of 0.5% of residual salts (sodium chloride and sodium glycolate).

The degree of substitution (DS) can vary between 0.2-1.5, although Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is generally in the range of 0.6-0.95.

The DS determines the behaviour of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose in water: Grades with DS >0.6 form colloidal solutions in water that are transparent and clear, i.e the higher the content of carboxymethyl groups, the higher the solubility and smoother the solutions obtained.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose with a DS below 0.6 tends to be only partially soluble.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is available as a white to almost white, odourless, tasteless, granular powder.

Uses of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose:

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used in drilling muds, detergents, resin emulsion paints, adhesives, printing inks, and textile sizes.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is also used as a protective colloid, a stabilizer for foods, and a pharmaceutical additive.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used as a bulk laxative, emulsifier and thickener in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and stabilizer for reagents.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is formerly registered in the US for use as an insecticide for ornamental and flowering plants.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is permitted for use as an inert ingredient in non-food pesticide products.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used as an anticaking agent, drying agent, emulsifier, formulation aid, humectant, stabilizer or thickener, and texturizer in foods.

Introduction:

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used in a variety of applications ranging from food production to medical treatments.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is commonly used as a viscosity modifier or thickener, and to stabilize emulsions in various products, both food and non-food.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used primarily because Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose has high viscosity, is nontoxic, and is generally considered to be hypoallergenic, as the major source fiber is either softwood pulp or cotton linter.

Non-food products include products such as toothpaste, laxatives, diet pills, water-based paints, detergents, textile sizing, reusable heat packs, various paper products, filtration materials, synthetic membranes, wound healing applications, and also in leather crafting to help burnish edges.

Food science:

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used in food under the E number E466 or E469 (when Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is enzymatically hydrolyzed), as a viscosity modifier or thickener, and to stabilize emulsions in various products, including ice cream.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is also used extensively in gluten-free and reduced-fat food products.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used to achieve tartrate or cold stability in wine, an innovation that may save megawatts of electricity used to chill wine in warm climates.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is more stable than metatartaric acid and is very effective in inhibiting tartrate precipitation.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is reported that KHT crystals, in presence of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, grow slower and change their morphology.

Their shape becomes flatter because they lose 2 of the 7 faces, changing their dimensions.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose molecules, negatively charged at wine pH, interact with the electropositive surface of the crystals, where potassium ions are accumulated.

The slower growth of the crystals and the modification of their shape are caused by the competition between Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose molecules and bitartrate ions for binding to the KHT crystals.

Specific culinary uses:

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose powder is widely used in the ice cream industry, to make ice creams without churning or extremely low temperatures, thereby eliminating the need for conventional churners or salt ice mixes.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used in baking breads and cakes.

The use of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose gives the loaf an improved quality at a reduced cost, by reducing the need of fat.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is also used as an emulsifier in biscuits.

By dispersing fat uniformly in the dough, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose improves the release of the dough from the moulds and cutters, achieving well-shaped biscuits without any distorted edges.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose can also help to reduce the amount of egg yolk or fat used in making the biscuits.

Use of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose in candy preparation ensures smooth dispersion in flavor oils, and improves texture and quality.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used in chewing gums, margarines and peanut butter as an emulsifier.

Other uses:

In laundry detergents, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used as a soil suspension polymer designed to deposit onto cotton and other cellulosic fabrics, creating a negatively charged barrier to soils in the wash solution.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is also used as a thickening agent, for example, in the oil-drilling industry as an ingredient of drilling mud, where Sodium carboxymethyl celluloseacts as a viscosity modifier and water retention agent.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is sometimes used as an electrode binder in advanced battery applications (i.e. lithium ion batteries), especially with graphite anodes.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose’s water solubility allows for less toxic and costly processing than with non-water-soluble binders, like the traditional polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which requires toxic n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) for processing.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is often used in conjunction with styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) for electrodes requiring extra flexibility, e.g. for use with silicon-containing anodes.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is also used in ice packs to form a eutectic mixture resulting in a lower freezing point, and therefore more cooling capacity than ice.

Aqueous solutions of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose have also been used to disperse carbon nanotubes, where the long Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose molecules are thought to wrap around the nanotubes, allowing them to be dispersed in water.

In conservation-restoration, Sodium carboxymethyl celluloseis used as an adhesive or fixative (commercial name Walocel, Klucel).

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

Petroleum Production and Refining

Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing)

Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides)

Working with Glues and Adhesives

Farming (Pesticides)

Adverse reactions of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose:

Effects on inflammation, microbiota-related metabolic syndrome, and colitis are a subject of research.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is suggested as a possible cause of inflammation of the gut, through alteration of the human gastrointestinal microbiota, and has been suggested as a triggering factor in inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

While thought to be uncommon, case reports of severe reactions to Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose exist.

Skin testing is believed to be a useful diagnostic tool for this purpose.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose was the active ingredient in an eye drop brand Ezricare Artificial Tears which was recalled due to potential bacterial contamination.

Preparation of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose:

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is synthesized by the alkali-catalyzed reaction of cellulose with chloroacetic acid.

The polar (organic acid) carboxyl groups render the cellulose soluble and chemically reactive.

Fabrics made of cellulose—e.g. cotton or viscose rayon—may also be converted into Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

Following the initial reaction, the resultant mixture produces approximately 60% Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and 40% salts (sodium chloride and sodium glycolate).

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is the so-called technical Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, which is used in detergents.

An additional purification process is used to remove salts to produce pure Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, which is used for alimentary and pharmaceutical applications.

An intermediate “semi-purified” grade is also produced, typically used in paper applications such as the restoration of archival documents.

Structure and properties of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose:

The functional properties of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose depend on the degree of substitution of the cellulose structure [i.e., how many of the hydroxyl groups have been converted to carboxymethylene(oxy) groups in the substitution reaction], as well as the chain length of the cellulose backbone structure and the degree of clustering of the carboxymethyl substituents.

Structure:

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is typical ionic-type cellulose ether and the frequently used product is Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt, as well as ammonium and aluminum salts.

Sometimes, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose acids can be produced.

When degree of substitution (that is, the average value of hydroxyl groups reacted with the substitution of each anhydrous glucose monomer) is 1, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose molecular formula is [C6H7O2 (OH) 2OCH2COONa] n.

With drying at the temperature of 105℃ and constant weight, the content of sodium is 6.98-8.5%.

Appearance and Solubility:

The pure Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is white or milk white fibrous powder or particles, odorless and tasteless.

Sodium carboxymethyl celluloseis insoluble in organic solvents such as methanol, alcohol, diethyl ether, acetone, chloroform and benzene but soluble in water.

Degree of substitution is an important factor influencing water solubility and the viscosity of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose also has a great effect on the water solubility.

In general when the viscosity is within 25-50Pa•s and the degree of substitution is about 0.3, Sodium carboxymethyl celluloseshows alkaline solubility and while the degree of substitution is over 0.4, Sodium carboxymethyl celluloseshows water solubility.

With the rise of DS, the transparency of solution improves accordingly.

In addition, the replacement homogeneity also has an great effect on the solubility.

Hygroscopicity:

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose equilibrium water content will increase with the rise of air humidity but decrease with the rise of temperature.

At room temperature and average humidity of 80-85%, the equilibrium water content is more than 26% but moisture content in Sodium carboxymethyl celluloses is lower than 10%, lower than the former.

As far as Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose shape is concerned, even if the water content is about 15%, there seems no difference in appearance.

However, when the moisture content reaches above 20%, inter-particle mutual adhesion can be perceived and the higher the viscosity is, the more evident Sodium carboxymethyl cellulosewill become.

For these polarized high-molecular compounds like Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, the hygroscopic degree is not only affected by the relative humidity but also by the number of polarity.

The higher the degree os substitution is, that is, the larger the number of polarity, the stronger the hygroscopicity will be.

Moreover, crystallinity also affects Sodium carboxymethyl celluloseand the higher the crystallinity is, the smaller the hygroscopic will be.

Compatibility:

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose has good compatibility with other kinds of water-soluble glues, softeners and resin.

For example, Sodium carboxymethyl celluloseis compatible with animal glues, dimethoxy dimethylurea gel, Arabic gum, pectin, tragacanth gum, ethylene glycol, sorbitol, glycerol, invert sugar, soluble starch and sodium alginate.

Sodium carboxymethyl celluloseis also compatible with casein, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose of melamine- formaldehyde resin and ethylene glycol, urea formaldehyde ethylene glycol resin, methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), phosphate nitrilotriacetic acid, and sodium silicate but the degree is slightly poorer.

1% Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution is compatible with most inorganic salts.

Dissociation Constant:

In the giant polymer matrix of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, there are plenty of electrolyzing groups (carboxymethyl groups).

The acidity is similar to that of acetic acid and the dissociation constant is 5×10-5.

The dissociation strength has an considerable effect on the electrical properties of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

Biochemical Properties:

Although Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution is difficult to get rotten than natural gums, under certain conditions, some microbes enable Sodium carboxymethyl celluloseto get rotten, especially with cellulose and taka-amylase reactions, leading to the decrease of solution viscosity.

The higher the DS of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is, the less Sodium carboxymethyl cellulosewill be affected by enzymes and this is because the side chain linked with glucose residues prevents enzymolysis.

Since the enzyme action leads to the breakage of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose main chain and generates reducing sugar, in this way the degree of polymerization will decrease and the solution viscosity will accordingly decrease.

The digestive enzymes within human body can have no decomposition on Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose has no decomposition in acid or alkaline digestive juice.

Handling and storage of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose:

Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:

Storage conditions:

Tightly closed.

Dry.

Stability and reactivity of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose:

Reactivity:

The following applies in general to flammable organic substances and mixtures: in correspondingly fine distribution, when whirled up a dust explosion potential may generally be assumed.

Chemical stability:

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).

Possibility of hazardous reactions:

Violent reactions possible with:

strong oxidising agents

Conditions to avoid:

no information available

Incompatible materials:

No data available

First aid measures of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose:

If inhaled:

After inhalation:

Fresh air.

In case of skin contact:

Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.

Rinse skin with water/ shower.

In case of eye contact:

After eye contact:

Rinse out with plenty of water.

Remove contact lenses.

If swallowed:

After swallowing:

Make victim drink water (two glasses at most).

Consult doctor if feeling unwell.

Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed:

No data available

Firefighting measures of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose:

Suitable extinguishing media:

Water Foam Carbon dioxide (CO2) Dry powder

Unsuitable extinguishing media:

For Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.

Special hazards arising from Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose or mixture:

Nature of decomposition products not known.

Combustible.

Development of hazardous combustion gases or vapours possible in the event of fire.

Advice for firefighters:

In the event of fire, wear self-contained breathing apparatus.

Further information:

Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.

Accidental release measures of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose:

Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures:

Advice for non-emergency personnel:

Avoid inhalation of dusts.

Evacuate the danger area, observe emergency procedures, consult an expert.

Environmental precautions:

Do not let product enter drains.

Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:

Cover drains.

Collect, bind, and pump off spills.

Observe possible material restrictions.

Take up dry.

Dispose of properly.

Clean up affected area.

Avoid generation of dusts.

Identifiers of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose:

CAS Number: 9004-32-4

ChEBI: CHEBI:85146

ChEMBL: ChEMBL1909054

ChemSpider: none

ECHA InfoCard: 100.120.377

E number: E466 (thickeners, …)

UNII: 05JZI7B19X

CompTox Dashboard (EPA): DTXSID7040441

EC / List no.: 618-378-6

CAS no.: 9004-32-4

Synonym(s): Carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt

CAS Number: 9004-32-4

MDL number: MFCD00081472

NACRES: NA.23

ChEBI: CHEBI:85146

ChEMBL: ChEMBL1909054

ChemSpider: none

ECHA InfoCard: 100.120.377

E number: E466 (thickeners, …)

UNII: 05JZI7B19X

CompTox Dashboard (EPA): DTXSID7040441 

Chemical formula: C8H15NaO8

Molar mass: variable

SMILES: CC(=O)[O-].C(C(C(C(C(C=O)O)O)O)O)O.[Na+]

InChI Key: QMGYPNKICQJHLN-UHFFFAOYSA-M

InChI: InChI=1S/C6H12O6.C2H4O2.Na/c7-1-3(9)5(11)6(12)4(10)2-8;1-2(3)4;/h1,3-6,8-12H,2H2;1H3,(H,3,4);/q;;+1/p-1

Product Number: C0603

Molecular Formula / Molecular Weight: [C6H7O2(OH)x(OCH2COONa)y]__n

Physical State (20 deg.C): Solid

Store Under Inert Gas: Store under inert gas

Condition to Avoid: Hygroscopic

CAS RN: 9004-32-4

Merck Index (14): 1829

MDL Number: MFCD00081472

Physical state at 20 °C: Solid: 

Colour: Almost white powder: 

Odour: Odorless

pH value: 6.5 – 8.5

Density [g/cm3]: 1.59: 

Solubility in water [% weight]: Soluble in water

Physical State: Solid

Solubility: Soluble in water (20 mg/ml).

Storage: Store at room temperature

Properties of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose:

form: powder

Quality Level: 200

autoignition temp.: 698 °F

mol wt: average Mw ~700,000

extent of labeling: 0.9 carboxymethyl groups per anhydroglucose unit

mp: 270 °C (dec.)

InChI: 1S/C6H12O6.C2H4O2.Na/c7-1-3(9)5(11)6(12)4(10)2-8;1-2(3)4;/h1,3-6,8-12H,2H2;1H3,(H,3,4);

InChI key: DPXJVFZANSGRMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N

logP: -3.6: 

pKa (Strongest Acidic): 11.8

pKa (Strongest Basic): -3

Physiological Charge: 0

Hydrogen Acceptor Count: 6

Hydrogen Donor Count: 5

Polar Surface Area: 118.22 Ų

Rotatable Bond Count: 5

Refractivity: 37.35 m³·mol⁻¹

Polarizability: 16.07 ų

Number of Rings: 0

Bioavailability: Yes

Rule of Five: Yes

Ghose Filter: No

Veber’s Rule: No

MDDR-like Rule: No

Appearance: Off white to cream colored powder

Assay (as Na; HClO4 titration, on anhydrous basis): 6.5 – 9.5%

Identity: Passes test

pH (1% solution): 6.5 – 8.0

Viscosity (1% solution; 20°C on dried basis): 250 – 350 cps

Appearance of solution: Passes test

Insoluble matter in water: Passes test

Loss on drying (at 105°C): Max 10%

Sulphated Ash (as SO4; on dried basis): 20 – 29.3%

Chloride (Cl): Max 0.25%

Sodium glycolate: Max 0.4%

Heavy metal (as Pb): Max 0.002%

Arsenic (As): Max 0.0003%

Iron (Fe): Max 0.02%

Condition to Avoid: Hygroscopic

Content(Na,Drying substance): 6.0 to 8.5 %

Drying loss: max. 10.0 %

Etherification value( as Drying substance): 0.5 to 0.8

Merck Index (14): 1829

Physical State (20 deg.C): Solid

PubChem Substance ID: 87565248

RTECS#: FJ5950000

Store Under Inert Gas: Store under inert gas

Viscosity: 500.0 to 900.0 mPa-s(2 %, H2O, 25 deg-C)

Molecular Weight: 262.19 g/mol

Hydrogen Bond Donor Count: 5

Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count: 8

Rotatable Bond Count: 5

Exact Mass: 262.06646171 g/mol

Monoisotopic Mass: 262.06646171 g/mol

Topological Polar Surface Area: 158Ų

Heavy Atom Count: 17

Complexity: 173

Isotope Atom Count: 0

Defined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0

Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count: 4

Defined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0

Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0

Covalently-Bonded Unit Count: 3

Compound Is Canonicalized: Yes

Specifications of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose:

Appearance: White to Light yellow to Light orange powder to crystal

Content(Na,Drying substance): 6.0 to 8.5 %

Etherification value( as Drying substance): 0.5 to 0.8

Drying loss: max. 10.0 %

Viscosity: 900 to 1400 mPa-s(1 %, H2O, 25 deg-C)

FooDB Name: Carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium salt

Names of Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose:

Regulatory process name:

Cellulose, carboxymethyl ether, sodium salt

IUPAC names:

2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanal acetic acid sodium hydride

acetic acid; 2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanal; sodium

Carboximethilcelullose

Carboxymethyl cellulose

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium

Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt

Carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium salt

Carboxymethylcellulose

carboxymethylcellulose

Carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt

Cellulose carboxymethyl ether sodium salt

Cellulose Gum

Cellulose gum

Cellulose, carboxymethyl ether, sodium salt

Na carboxymethyl cellulose

sodium carboxy methyl cellulose

sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose

SODIUM CARBOXYMETHYL CELLULOSE

Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose

Sodium carboxymethylcellulose

sodium cellulose carboxymethyl ether

Trade name:

Carboximetilcelulosa

Other names:

Carboxy methyl cellulose sodium

Carboxymethyl cellulose

carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt

carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salts

Carboxymethyl ether cellulose sodium salt

Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Salt

Carboxymethylcellulose, sodium salt

cellulose carboxymethyl ether sodium salt

Cellulose, Carboxymethyl ether, Sodiu

SODIUM CARBOXYMETHYL CELLULOSE

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose

Carboxymethylcellulose

carmellose

E466

Other identifier:

9004-32-4