Preservatives(food)
Flavors
Acidulants
Sweeteners
Antioxidants
Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Oils
Carrier Oills
Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Solvents(lab)
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Fragrances (Cleaning)
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose HPMC, also known as hypromellose, is a semi-synthetic, non-ionic cellulose ether derived by chemically modifying cellulose through methylation and hydroxypropylation. It is a white to off-white, odorless, tasteless powder that dissolves in cold water to form clear, viscous solutions. HPMC is renowned for its thickening, film-forming, emulsifying, and controlled-release properties. It is widely used in pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, construction, and industrial applications due to its safety profile, versatility, and compatibility with various ingredients.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Primary UsesÂ
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Used as a binder, film former, and controlled-release agent in oral solid dosage forms such as tablets and capsules.
- Employed as a viscosity enhancer and suspending agent in ophthalmic solutions, gels, and topical formulations.
- Acts as a matrix polymer in sustained-release drug delivery systems, regulating drug dissolution and absorption.
- Serves as a protective colloid and stabilizer in various pharmaceutical suspensions and emulsions.
- Food Industry
- Utilized as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in bakery products, dairy alternatives, sauces, and dressings.
- Functions as a gluten substitute in gluten-free baking, improving texture and moisture retention.
- Acts as an anti-caking agent and film former in edible coatings and wraps.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Incorporated as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and film former in creams, lotions, shampoos, and sunscreens.
- Enhances product texture, improves spreadability, and stabilizes emulsions.
- Provides moisturizing and protective effects in topical formulations.
- Construction Industry
- Used as a water retention agent and thickener in cement, mortar, and plaster formulations.
- Improves workability, adhesion, and surface smoothness of building materials.
- Industrial Applications
- Functions as a thickener, binder, and stabilizer in paints, coatings, adhesives, and printing inks.
- Employed in ceramics and paper manufacturing as a binder and rheology modifier.
Secondary UsesÂ
- Oil & Gas Industry
- Applied as a viscosifier and stabilizer in drilling fluids and fracturing gels.
- Textile Industry
- Used as a sizing agent and thickener in textile printing and finishing processes.
- Biomedical Research
- Utilized in tissue engineering and as a component in hydrogel scaffolds due to its biocompatibility.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
- Common/Trade Name: HPMC, Hypromellose
- CAS Number: 9004-65-3
- HS Code: 3912.90.00
- Molecular Formula: Variable polymer (C12H20O10)n substituted with methyl and hydroxypropyl groups
- Synonyms: Hypromellose, Methocel, Methocel E series
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: White to off-white powder
- Odor: Odorless
- Solubility: Soluble in cold water forming clear, viscous solutions; insoluble in organic solvents
- Viscosity Range: Adjustable from low to high depending on substitution and molecular weight
- pH Stability: Stable between pH 3 to 11
- Thermal Stability: Stable up to approximately 200–220 °C (degradation above this range)
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Generally regarded as safe; non-toxic, non-irritating
- Toxicity: Low acute toxicity; non-sensitizing
- Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits established
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and heat
- Container Type: Sealed polyethylene bags or drums
- Shelf Life: Typically 24 months under recommended conditions
- Handling Precautions: Avoid dust formation and inhalation; use dust masks if necessary
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Approved for use in pharmaceuticals (USP/NF), food (FDA GRAS), and cosmetics globally
- Listed in pharmacopoeias and cosmetic ingredient directories (INCI: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose)
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions
- Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Dust mask, gloves, and safety goggles when handling powder
- Handling Guidelines: Minimize dust generation; use in well-ventilated areas
- Storage Measures: Keep container sealed and dry
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical attention if irritation occurs
- Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; consult a physician if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; low toxicity but seek medical advice if large quantities are swallowed
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible solid; burns with a yellow flame
- Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, COâ‚‚
- Special Precautions: Avoid inhalation of smoke; wear protective equipment
- Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other toxic fumes
Related products
Avocado Wax
Avocado wax is a natural plant-derived wax extracted primarily from the pulp and seed of the avocado fruit (Persea americana). It appears as a hard, yellowish wax with excellent emollient, film-forming, and moisturizing properties. Valued for its biodegradability, compatibility with various formulations, and sustainability, avocado wax is widely used as a natural alternative to synthetic waxes in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and industrial applications.
Carbomer
Carbomer is a high molecular weight, crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer used primarily as a rheology modifier, thickening agent, and suspension stabilizer. Supplied as a fluffy white powder, it exhibits high viscosity and excellent clarity when neutralized and dispersed in water or alcohol-water systems. Carbomer 940 is widely valued for its ability to form clear gels, control flow properties, and stabilize emulsions. It is commonly used in cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and household formulations due to its consistency, compatibility, and efficient thickening performance at low concentrations.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Detergent Grade
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Detergent Grade is a water-soluble cellulose derivative produced by the etherification of cellulose with monochloroacetic acid. It is a fine, white to off-white powder with excellent thickening, stabilizing, and water retention properties. The detergent grade of CMC is specifically tailored to meet the requirements of laundry and cleaning formulations, offering superior dispersing and anti-redeposition performance. It is biodegradable, non-toxic, and widely used as a functional additive to enhance cleaning efficiency and fabric care in detergent products. Its excellent compatibility with surfactants and enzymes makes it an essential ingredient in both powder and liquid detergents.
Cellozize Tylose
Cellozize Tylose, commonly known by the trade name Tylose, is a brand of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose ether derived from natural cellulose. It appears as a white to off-white powder with excellent thickening, binding, and film-forming properties. Tylose is widely used as a rheology modifier, stabilizer, and thickener in various industries including construction, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food. It provides viscosity control, improves texture, and enhances water retention in formulations. Due to its inert, non-toxic, and biodegradable nature, Tylose is favored as a versatile polymer in many applications.
Guar Gum
Guar Gum is a natural polysaccharide extracted from the endosperm of the guar bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). It appears as an off-white to cream-colored powder with a neutral odor and bland taste. Guar Gum is a galactomannan composed mainly of mannose and galactose units, known for its excellent water-binding, thickening, and stabilizing properties. It forms highly viscous solutions even at low concentrations, making it a versatile hydrocolloid used widely across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, oilfield, and industrial applications.
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose , is a water-soluble anionic cellulose ether derived from natural cellulose. It appears as a white to off-white, odorless, tasteless powder or granule. Known for its excellent thickening, stabilizing, emulsifying, and water-retention properties, CMC is widely used in food, pharmaceutical, personal care, industrial, and detergent applications. It functions by modifying the rheological properties of solutions and suspensions, offering control over viscosity and flow. Its biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and biodegradability make it suitable for both human use and environmentally friendly formulations.
Xantham Gum
Xantham Gum is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide produced by fermentation of glucose or sucrose by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It is widely used as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in various industries due to its excellent viscosity properties, even at low concentrations. Xanthan Gum imparts improved texture, consistency, and shelf life to finished products, making it indispensable in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial formulations.
