E461 METHYL CELLULOSE

E461 Methyl Cellulose is a semi-synthetic, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose — the primary structural polysaccharide of plant cell walls — in which a portion of the hydroxyl groups have been replaced by methyl groups (-OCH₃) through controlled alkalinization and etherification, yielding a white, odorless, tasteless, non-digestible, non-toxic, non-allergenic powder used as a thickener, emulsifier, stabilizer, binder, and bulk-forming laxative in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is distinguished by its unique reverse thermogelation behavior — it dissolves in cold water to form a clear viscous solution and forms a firm gel upon heating above approximately 50–55°C, then reverts to a viscous liquid upon cooling — a property that is unique among food-grade hydrocolloids and that makes it particularly valuable in plant-based meat alternatives, gluten-free baking, molecular gastronomy, and temperature-controlled food processing.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is approved as a food additive in the European Union under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 with E number E461, is recognized as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the US FDA under 21 CFR 182.1480, and has been assigned an ADI of "not specified" by JECFA (FAO/WHO, 1989) as part of the group ADI for modified celluloses, confirming its excellent safety profile for food and pharmaceutical use.

CAS Number: 9004-67-5
EC Number (EINECS): 618-391-7; 619-452-0
E Number: E461
INS Number: 461
FEMA Number: 2696
ATC Code: A06AC06 (WHO — bulk-forming laxative)
ATCvet Code: QA06AC06
Chemical Formula: C₆H₇O₂(OR₁)(OR₂)(OR₃) where R₁, R₂, R₃ are each H or CH₃
Simplified Representative Formula: C₂₀H₃₈O₁₁ (representative unit)
Molecular Weight: 20,000–380,000 Da (variable; depends on degree of polymerization)
IUPAC Name: Cellulose, methyl ether
Chemical Name: Methyl ether of cellulose
UNII: Z944H5SN0H (FDA); 4GFU244C4J
ChEBI: CHEBI:53448
ChEMBL: CHEMBL2109198
DrugBank: DB11228
CompTox Dashboard (EPA): DTXSID1036919
RXCUI: 6873; 1313700
NCI Thesaurus: C29253
Metabolomics Workbench ID: 44118
US FDA CFR: 21 CFR 175.105; 175.210; 175.300; 176.200; 177.2260; 182.1480; 582.1480
EPA TSCA: Active (XU — exempt from Chemical Data Reporting Rule, 40 CFR 711)
EPA Safer Choice: Green circle — verified low concern based on experimental and modeled data
Degree of Substitution (DS): 1.3–2.6 (food grade: 1.7–2.2)
Methoxy content (EU food grade): 25–33% (-OCH₃)
Methoxy content (US FDA food grade): 27.5–31.5% (-OCH₃)

Synonyms: Methyl Cellulose, Methylcellulose, Cellulose Methyl Ether, Cellulose Methylate, Methyl Ether of Cellulose, Methylated Cellulose, Modified Vegetable Gum, Modified Methyl Cellulose, E461, INS 461, Methocel (Dow Chemical), Citrucel (laxative brand), Celacol, Tylose, Culminal MC, Benecel M, Metolose SM, Hydrolose, Cellothyl, Cellucon, Nilstim, Syncelose, Viscontran L52, Cologel, Bulkaloid, Viscol, Avicel SG, Daicel 170, MC-4000, Rhomellose, CAS 9004-67-5

E461 Methyl Cellulose is produced by a two-step process: first, purified cellulose (from cotton linters or wood pulp) is treated with sodium hydroxide (5–50%) to form alkali cellulose (Cell-OH + NaOH → Cell·O-Na⁺ + H₂O); second, the alkali cellulose reacts with methyl chloride under controlled conditions (Cell·O-Na⁺ + ClCH₃ → Cell-OCH₃ + NaCl), partially replacing hydroxyl groups with methoxide groups, with the degree of substitution (DS) controlled to achieve the target solubility, viscosity, and gelling behavior.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is a non-ionic hydrocolloid, meaning it does not form insoluble precipitates with polyvalent metal ions and is compatible with salts, acids, and alkalis across a wide range of concentrations, which distinguishes it from ionic cellulose derivatives such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

E461 Methyl Cellulose is not digestible by the human body — it lacks the cellulase enzyme needed for digestion — and passes through the gastrointestinal tract virtually unchanged; in humans, virtually 100% of orally ingested methyl cellulose is recovered in feces within four days, confirming that absorption does not occur.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is related to but chemically distinct from hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC, E464), hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC), ethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC, E466), and hydroxypropyl cellulose (E463), which are other modified cellulose derivatives used in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.

Uses of E461 Methyl Cellulose:
E461 Methyl Cellulose is used in plant-based meat alternatives (vegan burgers, sausages, nuggets) as a thermal gelling binder that holds the product together when heated, creating a meat-like binding texture, firmness, springiness, and juiciness through thermo-reversible gelation; high-profile users include Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, and Nestlé's Awesome Burger.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is used in gluten-free bakery products (breads, pastries, cakes) to mimic the elasticity and binding properties of gluten, improve gas retention during baking, increase baked volumes, provide moist texture, improve emulsification of batters, and extend shelf life.

E461 Methyl Cellulose is used in ice cream and frozen desserts to control ice crystal formation, provide smooth texture, stabilize emulsions, improve overrun (air entrainment), and enhance freeze-thaw stability.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is used in salad dressings, sauces, and soups as a thickener and emulsion stabilizer at concentrations of 0.2–0.8%, helping keep oil-water systems stable, extending shelf life, and controlling body and pouring characteristics.

E461 Methyl Cellulose is used in pie and pastry fillings to reduce boil-over during baking, inhibit moisture migration from fillings to crusts, and improve freeze-thaw stability.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is used in whipped toppings and meringues to improve whipping properties, prevent syneresis, extend open times, and maintain stability through repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

E461 Methyl Cellulose is used in fried products (batters, coatings) as an oil-insoluble barrier that blocks oil absorption and moisture loss during frying, improves adhesion of batters to meat and vegetable substrates, extends frying oil life, and gels during frying to provide controlled texture and bite.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is used in confectionery, glazes, icings, and coatings to add lubricity for easier application, provide creamier texture, improve spreadability, enable clean flavor release, and thermally gel during heating to keep coatings intact.

E461 Methyl Cellulose is used as a bulk-forming laxative (ATC code A06AC06) under brand names including Citrucel, for treatment of chronic constipation, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, and irritable bowel syndrome, typically producing bowel movement within 12–72 hours; it works by absorbing water in the colon, increasing stool bulk and softness, and stimulating peristalsis.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is used in pharmaceutical manufacturing as a dry binder and wet granulation agent in tablet production (small pill mass, large binder volume), as a film-forming agent in tablet coatings, as a sustained-release matrix for controlled drug delivery, and as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin in capsule manufacturing.

E461 Methyl Cellulose is used in lubricating eye drops and artificial tear preparations to retain moisture on the surface of the eye and relieve dry eye symptoms, and in artificial saliva preparations when natural saliva production is impaired.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is used in cosmetics and personal care products including shampoos, toothpastes, liquid soaps, creams, and lotions as a viscosity-controlling, emulsion-stabilizing, binding, and film-forming agent.

E461 Methyl Cellulose is used extensively in construction materials (tile adhesives, EIFS, plasters, stucco, self-leveling flooring, extruded cement panels, skim coats, joint fillers, grouts) at 0.2–0.5% of dry powder weight to improve workability, open time, water retention, viscosity, and adhesion.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is used in wallpaper paste, paper and textile sizing, ceramic slip casts, paint as a rheological modifier (prevents sagging), latex paints and paint removers, adhesives for conservation of artworks and book restoration, and as a protective colloid in vinyl chloride polymerization.

E461 Methyl Cellulose is used in biological research for studying viral replication (plaque assays in cell culture), for slowing bacterial and protozoal motility for microscopy, for quantifying hematopoietic progenitor cells (colony-forming units), and as a buffer additive in capillary electrophoresis to control electroosmotic flow.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is used in special effects for motion pictures and television to simulate slimes, molten materials, and lava flows, due to its non-toxic, non-allergenic, edible, and visually appropriate gooey appearance (famously used in Ghostbusters, Aliens, Terminator, Volcano, and Star Wars: Episode III).

Benefits or Advantages of E461 Methyl Cellulose:
E461 Methyl Cellulose is non-digestible, non-toxic, non-allergenic, and virtually calorie-free, passing through the gastrointestinal tract completely unchanged; the probable oral lethal dose in humans is above 15 g/kg (classified as practically non-toxic), confirming an excellent acute safety profile.
E461 Methyl Cellulose has a unique thermal gelation (sets when hot, melts when cold) that is the opposite of gelatin and most other gelling agents, making it irreplaceable in applications requiring structure formation during cooking and texture recovery upon cooling.

E461 Methyl Cellulose is gluten-free, vegan, halal (MUI-certified available), and kosher pareve, making it suitable for all major dietary and religious requirements and enabling use across the full spectrum of food product categories.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is derived from renewable plant-based sources (cotton linters or wood pulp) and is not manufactured using genetically modified organisms; cotton linters-based grades are particularly prized for purity.

E461 Methyl Cellulose is stable to dilute acids and alkalis, resistant to microorganisms (bacteria cannot use it as a carbon source), stable to heat up to approximately 300°C, stable to light, and essentially metabolically inert in humans, providing excellent stability across a wide range of food processing conditions.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is not fermented by gut bacteria, does not cause gas or bloating at typical use levels (unlike fermentable fibers such as inulin), and is non-fermentable, making it suitable for people with sensitive digestive systems or those prone to bloating.

Features of E461 Methyl Cellulose:
E461 Methyl Cellulose is a slightly hygroscopic white or slightly yellowish or greyish, odorless and tasteless, granular or fibrous powder that swells in cold water to produce a clear to opalescent, viscous, colloidal solution, and is insoluble in ethanol, ether, chloroform, and water warmer than approximately 50.5°C.
E461 Methyl Cellulose has a viscosity of 10–15,000 cP in 2% aqueous solution (grade-dependent), a surface tension of 47–53 dyn/cm (0.1% solution), a pH of 5.0–8.0 (1% colloidal solution), a melting point of 290–305°C (film), and a thermal decomposition temperature of approximately 300°C in solid form.

E461 Methyl Cellulose exhibits a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of 40–50°C, above which it gels and precipitates from solution; the specific gel temperature depends on the DS value, viscosity grade, and solution concentration, with higher DS values and higher concentrations yielding lower gel temperatures.
E461 Methyl Cellulose forms a thermoreversible gel — transitioning from viscous liquid below the LCST to a firm gel above it — and this process is fully reversible, with Methocel A4M (a specific food-grade grade) forming a firm gel at 122–131°F (50–55°C) with a viscosity of 4,000 cP.

Chemical Properties of E461 Methyl Cellulose:
E461 Methyl Cellulose consists of anhydroglucose repeat units with the general formula C₆H₇O₂(OR₁)(OR₂)(OR₃), where each R may be H or CH₃; the degree of substitution (DS) represents the average number of substituted hydroxyl groups per glucose unit, with food-grade MC having a DS of 1.7–2.2 and a methoxy content of 25–33% (EU) or 27.5–31.5% (US FDA).
E461 Methyl Cellulose is amphiphilic — containing both hydrophilic hydroxyl groups and hydrophobic methoxide groups — which accounts for its surface activity (surface tension reduction), emulsification capability, and the entropic mechanism underlying its reverse thermogelation behavior.

E461 Methyl Cellulose is stable to dilute acids and alkalis, resistant to oils and greases, and stable in aqueous solution at room temperature; its viscosity increases in the presence of inorganic salts; it decomposes when heated to high temperatures, emitting acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is soluble in cold water, pyridine, aniline, trimethylformamide, benzyl alcohol, and glacial acetic acid (for DS 1.3–2.6); soluble in alkali only for DS <1.3; soluble in organic solvents only for DS >2.6; and insoluble in hot water, ethanol, ether, and chloroform.

Production of E461 Methyl Cellulose:
E461 Methyl Cellulose is manufactured industrially from purified cellulose pulp (wood pulp or cotton linters) by a two-step process: (1) alkalinization — treating cellulose with aqueous sodium hydroxide (5–50%) to form alkali cellulose; (2) etherification — reacting alkali cellulose with methyl chloride, dimethyl sulfate, or methanol and dehydrating agents under strictly controlled conditions to achieve the target DS and viscosity grade.
E461 Methyl Cellulose production involves controlling the molecular weight of the alkali cellulose (which determines final product viscosity), the molar ratio of methylating agent to cellulose anhydroglucose units (which determines DS), and the reaction temperature and pressure; different grades with DS 1.3–2.6 and viscosities ranging from low (<100 cP) to very high (>15,000 cP, 2% solution) are produced by adjusting these parameters.

E461 Methyl Cellulose is available in food grade (FCC), pharmaceutical grade (USP/NF/EP), and technical/construction grade; construction grade may be cross-linked with glyoxal for easy water dispersion and should not be identified with food and pharmaceutical grade.
E461 Methyl Cellulose best practices for solution preparation: first disperse powder in hot water to create a uniform particle dispersion (at hot temperature, MC is not soluble and does not gel), then cool with stirring to approximately 5°C to dissolve; alternatively, blend with dry ingredients before adding cold water; foaming can be suppressed with silicon oil defoamers.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of E461 Methyl Cellulose:

Handling of E461 Methyl Cellulose:
E461 Methyl Cellulose should be handled in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices and in compliance with the applicable Safety Data Sheet.
E461 Methyl Cellulose handling requires avoiding generation and inhalation of dust, as powder can cause mechanical irritation; eye protection and respiratory protection should be used where dust generation is possible.

SDS of E461 Methyl Cellulose:

Stability and Reactivity of E461 Methyl Cellulose:

Chemical stability:
E461 Methyl Cellulose is stable at room temperature in aqueous solution; stable to dilute acids and alkalis; stable to light; stable up to approximately 300°C.

Reactivity:
No dangerous reaction is expected under normal conditions of use.
E461 Methyl Cellulose decomposes when heated to decomposition, emitting acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Conditions to avoid:
High temperatures above 300°C.
Contact with concentrated strong acids or strong bases.
Adding powder directly to hot liquids (gelling occurs immediately; disperse in hot water first, then cool).

Incompatible materials:
Concentrated strong acids.
Concentrated strong alkalis.

Hazardous decomposition products:
Carbon monoxide (CO).
Carbon dioxide (CO2).
Acrid smoke and irritating organic fumes (thermal decomposition).

Handling and Storage of E461 Methyl Cellulose:

Handling:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Avoid inhalation of dust; use respiratory protection where dust generation is possible.
Wear eye protection where dust or splash may occur.
Wash hands after handling.
For solution preparation: disperse in hot (not boiling) water first, then cool with stirring to dissolve; avoid adding to hot liquids directly.

Storage:
Store at ambient temperature in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Keep in tightly sealed original containers; E461 Methyl Cellulose is slightly hygroscopic.
Protect from moisture; the powder absorbs water and may clump in humid conditions.
Stable under recommended storage conditions; aqueous solutions are stable at room temperature.

First Aid Measures of E461 Methyl Cellulose:

Inhalation:
Move affected person to fresh air.
E461 Methyl Cellulose dust may cause mechanical irritation; seek medical advice if respiratory irritation persists.

Skin contact:
Wash affected skin with soap and water.
E461 Methyl Cellulose may cause mild skin sensitization in some individuals; seek medical advice if irritation persists.

Eye contact:
Rinse immediately with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open.
E461 Methyl Cellulose may cause mild eye irritation from dust or solution; seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
E461 Methyl Cellulose is practically non-toxic (probable oral lethal dose >15 g/kg in humans).
Rinse mouth with water; take with a full glass of water if ingested.
Tablets taken with inadequate water intake may cause fecal impaction; seek medical advice if significant quantities are ingested without adequate fluid.

Firefighting Measures of E461 Methyl Cellulose:

Suitable extinguishing media:
Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide.

Specific hazards:
E461 Methyl Cellulose is combustible in dry powder form.
Thermal decomposition or combustion emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Protective equipment for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.

Firefighting instructions:
Cool exposed containers with water spray.
Prevent contaminated firefighting water from entering drains or waterways.

Accidental Release Measures of E461 Methyl Cellulose:

Personal precautions:
Avoid inhalation of dust; wear appropriate respiratory protection.
Wet spilled powder creates a slipping hazard; contain and absorb immediately.

Environmental precautions:
E461 Methyl Cellulose is of low environmental concern (EPA Safer Choice: green circle).
Prevent large quantities from entering drains or waterways.

Methods for cleaning up:
Sweep or vacuum dry spilled material into properly labeled waste containers; avoid creating dust.
Dispose according to local regulations.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of E461 Methyl Cellulose:

Engineering controls:
Provide adequate local exhaust ventilation where dust is generated during weighing, mixing, or bagging.

Eye protection:
Wear safety glasses or goggles where dust generation is possible.

Hand protection:
Wear gloves for prolonged handling; may cause skin sensitization in some individuals.

Respiratory protection:
Wear a dust respirator (NIOSH-approved) where dust generation cannot be avoided.

Hygiene measures:
Wash hands thoroughly after handling E461 Methyl Cellulose and before eating, drinking, or smoking.

Identifiers of E461 Methyl Cellulose:
E Number: E461
INS Number: 461
FEMA Number: 2696
ATC Code: A06AC06 (bulk-forming laxative)
CAS Number: 9004-67-5
EC Number: 618-391-7; 619-452-0
UNII: Z944H5SN0H; 4GFU244C4J
ChEBI: CHEBI:53448
ChEMBL: CHEMBL2109198
DrugBank: DB11228
CompTox (EPA): DTXSID1036919
NCI Thesaurus: C29253
RXCUI: 6873; 1313700
US FDA: GRAS (21 CFR 182.1480); food contact substance (175.105, 175.210, 175.300, 176.200, 177.2260); food additive in animal feeds (582.1480)
GRAS Number: 3
EU: Food additive E461 (Regulation EC 1333/2008); specifications in Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012
JECFA ADI: Not specified (group ADI for modified celluloses, 1989)
EPA Safer Choice: Green circle (low concern)
EPA TSCA: Active; XU (exempt from Chemical Data Reporting Rule)
GHS Classification: Not classified (290 of 290 company reports confirm not meeting GHS hazard criteria — ECHA C&L)
Australian code: A461
New Zealand: Does not have individual approval but may be used under group standard
Halal: Yes (MUI-certified available)
Kosher: Yes (pareve)
Gluten-free: Yes (FDA confirmed)
Vegan: Yes

Properties of E461 Methyl Cellulose:
Physical state: Solid (powder)
Appearance: Slightly hygroscopic white or slightly yellowish or greyish, odorless and tasteless, granular or fibrous powder
Odor: Odorless
Taste: Tasteless
Molecular weight: 20,000–380,000 Da (variable; grade-dependent)
Degree of substitution (DS): 1.3–2.6 (food grade: 1.7–2.2)
Methoxy content (EU): 25–33% (-OCH₃)
Methoxy content (US FDA): 27.5–31.5% (-OCH₃)
Hydroxyethoxy content: ≤5% (-OCH₂CH₂OH)
Melting point (film): 290–305°C
Thermal stability: Up to approximately 300°C
LCST (gelation temperature): 40–50°C (grade-dependent)
Gel temperature (firm gel, Methocel A4M): 50–55°C (122–131°F)
Viscosity (2% solution): 10–15,000 cP (grade-dependent)
Surface tension (0.1% solution): 47–53 dyn/cm
pH (1% colloidal solution): 5.0–8.0 (neutral to litmus)
Solubility in cold water: Swells; forms clear to opalescent viscous colloidal solution
Solubility in hot water: Insoluble (>50°C)
Solubility in ethanol: Insoluble
Solubility in ether: Insoluble
Solubility in chloroform: Insoluble
Solubility in glacial acetic acid: Soluble
Solubility in alcohol:chloroform (1:1): Soluble
Stability: Stable to dilute acids and alkalis; resistant to oils and greases; stable to light; combustible
GHS Classification: Not classified (290/290 ECHA reports)
EPA Safer Choice: Green circle (low concern)

Specifications of E461 Methyl Cellulose — Food/Pharmaceutical Grade (EU):
Methoxy content: 25–33% (EU); 27.5–31.5% (US FDA)
Hydroxyethoxy content: ≤5%
Loss on drying (105°C, 3h): ≤10%
Sulphated ash (800±25°C): ≤1.5%
pH (1% colloidal solution): 5.0–8.0
Arsenic: ≤3 mg/kg
Lead: ≤2 mg/kg
Mercury: ≤1 mg/kg
Cadmium: ≤1 mg/kg
Heavy metals: ≤20 ppm
Bacteria: ≤1,000 CFU/g
Mold: ≤100 CFU/g
Typical food use levels: 0.1–0.3% (beverages/dairy); 0.15–0.4% (frozen desserts); 0.2–0.8% (sauces/dressings); 0.3–1.0% (bakery/gluten-free); 0.5–1.5% (plant-based meats)
Pharmaceutical grades: USP, NF, EP
Packaging: Typically 25 kg bags; stored at ambient temperature

Names of E461 Methyl Cellulose:
E461
Methyl Cellulose
Methylcellulose
Cellulose Methyl Ether
Cellulose Methylate
Methyl Ether of Cellulose
Methylated Cellulose
Modified Vegetable Gum
Modified Methyl Cellulose
INS 461
FEMA 2696
ATC A06AC06
Methocel (Dow Chemical)
Methocel A4M
Methocel MC
Methocel 4000
Citrucel (Haleon/SmithKline)
Celacol M
Tylose
Culminal MC
Benecel M
Metolose SM
Hydrolose
Cellothyl
Cellucon
Nilstim
Syncelose
Viscontran L52
Cologel
Bulkaloid
Viscol
Avicel SG
Daicel 170
Rhomellose
Tearisol (ophthalmic)
CAS 9004-67-5