Methyl Cellulose

• CAS: 9004-67-5
• Catalog Number: ACM9004675
• Category: Polymer/Macromolecule
• Molecular Weight: 454.5g/mol
• Molecular Formula: C29H54O16
• Description: Methyl cellulose is a methyl ether derivative of cellulose - the main component of plant cell walls. It is a white, odorless, and tasteless powder that is soluble in cold water but insoluble in hot water. Methyl cellulose is used in the food industry as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. It is also used in construction, as a binder in wall coatings and cement, and in pharmaceuticals as a substitute for gelatin in capsule formulations. In addition, methyl cellulose is used in the cosmetics industry as an ingredient in shampoos, hair conditioners, and other hair care products, as well as in personal lubricants and artificial tears.
• Synonyms: MODIFIED CELLULOSE;MODIFIED CELLULOSE, MC;TYLOSE(R) MH 300;TYLOSE(R) MH 1000;adulsin;bagolax;bufaptomethalose;bulkaloid
• IUPAC Name: (5R)-2,3,4-trimethoxy-6-(methoxymethyl)-5-[(2S)-3,4,5-trimethoxy-6-(methoxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyoxane
• Canonical SMILES: COCC1C(C(C(C(O1)OC2C(OC(C(C2OC)OC)OC)COC)OC)OC)OC
• InChI: InChI=1S/C20H38O11/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
• InChI Key: YLGXILFCIXHCMC-JHGZEJCSSA-N
• Melting Point: Decomposes upon heating from 482° F to 572° F (NTP, 1992);290 to 305 °C /Film/
• Density: 1.39
• Solubility: 5 to 10 mg/mL at 63° F (NTP, 1992);Sol in cold water;Insoluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and in water warmer that 50.5 °C; soluble in glacial acetic acid; unaffected by oils and greases.;INSOL IN HOT WATER & MOST ORGANIC SOLVENTS;INSOL IN ALCOHOL, ETHER & CHLOROFORM; SOL IN GLACIAL ACETIC ACID;SOL IN MIXTURE OF EQUAL PARTS OF ALCOHOL & CHLOROFORM; INSOL IN SATURATED SALT SOLN
• Appearance: white powder or granular substance that is odorless and tasteless
• Application: 1. Food industry: It is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in various food products such as ice cream, sauces, and dressings.; 2. Pharmaceutical industry: It is used as a binder, coating agent, and a thickener in various pharmaceutical formulations such as tablets, capsules, and ointments.; 3. Cosmetics industry: It is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and a film-forming agent in various cosmetic products such as creams, lotions, and shampoos.; 4. Construction industry: It is used as a water retention agent in cement, plaster, and tile adhesives to improve their workability and prevent shrinkage.; 5. Textile industry: It is used as a sizing agent in textile production to impart stiffness and water resistance to the fabrics.; 6. Paper industry: It is used as a coating agent in paper production to improve the paper's strength and durability, and to prevent ink from bleeding.
• Alpha Sort: Methyl cellulose
• Assay: 0.999
• Color/Form: White granules;White fibrous powders
• Complexity: 496
• Covalently-Bonded Unit Count: 1
• Decomposition: When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke & irritating fumes.
• Exact Mass: 454.241412g/mol
• Features And Benefits: 1. Methyl Cellulose functions as a thickening agent in cosmetics.; 2. It imparts a smooth texture to the products.; 3. It helps in enhancing the stability of emulsions.; 4. It improves the spreadability of creams and lotions.; 5. It acts as a lubricant, which makes it easier to apply cosmetics.; 6. It increases the viscosity of the product, which improves the adherence to the skin.; 7. It is a water-soluble polymer, making it easy to incorporate into formulations.; 8. It is a non-toxic and non-irritating ingredient.
• Formal Charge: 0
• H-Bond Acceptor: 11
• H-Bond Donor: 0
• Heavy Atom Count: 31
• MDL Number: MFCD00081763
• Monoisotopic Mass: 454.241412g/mol
• Odor: Odorless
• Other Experimental: GEL @ TEMP ABOUT 50 °C /AQ SOLN/;STABLE TO ALKALIES & DILUTE ACIDS;Presence of inorganic salts incr viscosity;Swells in water to a viscous colloidal solution. Unaffected by oils and greases. Stable up to approx. 300 °C. Stable to light; combustible. Specifications call for methoxy group content of narrow or wide ranges within 25-33%.;...nonionic and can function as a polymeric surfactant.;Forms high strength films that are clear, water-sol, and oil-and -grease resistant and have low oxygen and moisture vapor transmission rates.;Methyl celluloses have excellent water retention properties.;AVAILABLE IN VISCOSITIES RANGING FROM 10 CP-8000 CP WHEN MEASURED IN 2% SOLN @ 20 °C
• Packaging: 1 ton
• Rotatable Bond Count: 12
• Stability: STABLE @ ROOM TEMP /AQ SOLN/
• Viscosity: 10-15,000 cP /2% solution/
• XLogP3: -1

Custom Q&A

What is the purpose of methylcellulose in a formulation?

Methylcellulose acts as a binding agent, emulsion stabilizer, and texture enhancer in skin care products.

What properties does methylcellulose have?

Methylcellulose is water-soluble, hydrophilic, and appears as a white or off-white powder.

What is the source of methylcellulose?

Methylcellulose is typically sourced from cotton.

What are some of the uses of methylcellulose in skin care?

Methylcellulose can improve the appearance and usability of a skin care formula by creating a cohesive texture and boosting foaming abilities in cleansing products.

Can methylcellulose be used in wound healing?

Yes, recent research has tested methylcellulose as a material used in the creation of hydrogels to promote wound healing.

Is methylcellulose safe for use in cosmetics?

Yes, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has determined that methylcellulose is safe for use in cosmetics.

What is the recommended usage level of methylcellulose in skin care products?

Usage levels of methylcellulose range from 0.2-1%, depending on the desired texture of the product. Higher amounts may be used in gel formulations.

What are some other uses of methylcellulose?

Methylcellulose is also a common food additive.

What does methylcellulose do for a formula's texture?

Methylcellulose helps create a homogenous texture that is easy to apply to the skin.

What is another name for methylcellulose?

Methylcellulose is also known as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC).