Cross Carmellose Sodium BP
Cross Carmellose Sodium BP (also known as Croscarmellose Sodium or CCS) is a cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose polymer. It is a highly efficient, super-disintegrant commonly used in pharmaceutical tablet and capsule formulations. This white to off-white, odorless, and tasteless powder exhibits excellent swelling properties and rapid water uptake, which facilitates fast tablet disintegration and improves drug bioavailability. It is chemically stable, non-toxic, and compatible with a wide range of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Cross Carmellose Sodium BP
Primary Uses
Pharmaceuticals
- Acts as a superdisintegrant in tablets and capsules to promote rapid break-up and dissolution, enhancing drug absorption.
- Used in direct compression and wet granulation tablet formulations for improved mechanical strength and disintegration efficiency.
- Utilized in orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) and fast-dissolving formulations.
- Serves as a binder in controlled-release formulations to modify drug release profiles.
Personal Care & Cosmetics
- Employed as a thickener and stabilizer in topical gels and creams.
- Used to improve texture and moisture retention in skincare products.
Secondary Uses
Food Industry
- Occasionally used as a stabilizer or thickening agent in food processing (subject to regulatory approvals).
Industrial Applications
- Applied as a thickener, binder, and stabilizer in paints, adhesives, and detergents.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
- Common/Trade Name: Cross Carmellose Sodium, Croscarmellose Sodium, CCS
- CAS Number: 74811-65-7
- HS Code: 3912.90.00
- Molecular Formula: Variable (polymeric)
- Synonyms:
- Cross-linked sodium CMC
- Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose cross-linked
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: White to off-white powder
- Color & Odor: Odorless; tasteless
- Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
- Density: Approximately 0.4–0.6 g/cm³ (bulk density)
- Solubility:
- Insoluble in water, but swells rapidly to many times its weight
- Insoluble in organic solvents
- pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline in aqueous suspension (~6.5-8.0)
- Stability: Chemically stable; resistant to heat and pH variations
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 0
- Flammability: 1 (combustible dust)
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits: No specific limits; minimize inhalation of dust
- Toxicity: Non-toxic; widely used in pharmaceutical applications
- Reactivity: Stable; non-reactive under normal conditions
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight
- Container Type: Airtight, moisture-proof containers or bags
- Shelf Life: Typically 2–3 years if stored properly
- Special Handling: Avoid dust formation; use dust masks if needed during handling
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Pharmacopoeia Standards: Complies with BP, USP, EP specifications
- FDA Status: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for pharmaceutical use
- REACH Status: Registered
- Transportation: Not regulated as hazardous
- Waste Disposal: Dispose according to local regulations; non-toxic and biodegradable
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact; biodegradable polymer
- Persistence: Breaks down naturally in environment
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as hazardous
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
-
Safety Handling Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Dust mask or respirator to avoid inhalation
- Protective gloves and safety glasses recommended
Handling Measures:
- Minimize dust generation
- Use proper ventilation when handling powder
Storage Measures:
- Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent moisture ingress
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands after handling
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during handling
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Remove to fresh air; seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; unlikely to cause irritation
- Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water; seek medical attention if irritation occurs
- Ingestion: Non-toxic; rinse mouth and seek medical advice if large amounts ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible dust; avoid dust cloud formation
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂
- Special Precautions: Wear dust respirators and protective clothing
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides and water vapor