E461 METHYL CELLULOSE

E461 Methyl Cellulose is a semi-synthetic polymer compound in white to light yellowish, odorless, fibrous powder form at room temperature, obtained through the etherification of natural cellulose with methyl chloride, used as a thickener, emulsifier, film former, water retainer, and binder in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and construction formulations.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is a water-soluble cellulose ether raw material that dissolves in cold water to form viscous solutions and possesses the property of thermal gelation upon the effect of temperature, known by the code E461 in food additive coding systems and commercially as Methyl Cellulose (MC).
E461 Methyl Cellulose undertakes a critical role in providing structural hardness upon the effect of heat in food products, increasing dough flexibility in bakery, acting as a binder in pharmaceutical tablet coatings, and preventing water loss in construction mortars.

E461 Methyl Cellulose is a functional component added to formulations in order to control the rheological properties of formulations, increase water-holding capacity, and establish a thermal gelation network that prevents sagging or deformation during heat treatment.
E461 Methyl Cellulose molecules form temperature-reversible gel networks by creating hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions thanks to the substitution of hydroxyl groups in anhydroglucose units with methyl groups.
E461 Methyl Cellulose-containing food, pharmaceutical, and construction products acquire excellent thermal stability, high water retention efficiency, homogeneous viscosity control, and long shelf life performance.

E461 Methyl Cellulose is widely preferred at industrial standards, particularly to prevent water leakage and impart a meat-like thermal texture during cooking in meat alternatives and vegetarian products, and to form a plant-based shell in pharmaceutical capsules.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is a polymeric additive that maintains its chemical stability across wide pH ranges, is not metabolized, possesses low toxicity, and is reliable.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is produced at high purity standards and is one of the most sought-after cellulose derivatives in the global food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and construction chemicals market.

WHAT IS E461 METHYL CELLULOSE?

E461 Methyl Cellulose is a non-ionic cellulose ether compound known in the food and chemical industry under the names E461 Methyl Cellulose, Methylcellulose, Metil Selüloz, MC, or Cellulose Methyl Ether.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is commercially presented to the market in white to light yellowish tones, odorless, tasteless, fibrous powder or granular form.
E461 Methyl Cellulose quality is determined according to specific control parameters such as purity degree, methoxyl substitution ratio, viscosity value, loss on drying, sulfated ash, and heavy metal limits.
E461 Methyl Cellulose exhibits a unique physical behavior by dispersing in cold water to form clear to slightly opalescent colloidal solutions while failing to dissolve in hot water and transitioning into a gel form.
E461 Methyl Cellulose also finds a wide usage area as a consistency regulator in toothpastes and shampoos in personal care products, and as an active ingredient carrier in agrochemicals.
E461 Methyl Cellulose distribution of methyl groups in its molecular structure directly determines the dissolution temperature and thermal gelation degree of the polymer.

COMMON PRODUCT AND CHEMICAL NAMES:

E461 Methyl Cellulose
Methylcellulose
Metil Selüloz
MC
E461
Cellulose Methyl Ether
Methylcellulose Ether
Soluble Cellulose

CAS NO, EC / EINECS NO AND CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION

E461 Methyl Cellulose product name is E461 Methyl Cellulose.
E461 Methyl Cellulose food and additive code is designated as E461.
E461 Methyl Cellulose chemical name is defined as methylcellulose or cellulose, methyl ether.
E461 Methyl Cellulose molecular formula is [C₆H₇O₂(OH)ₓ(OCH₃)ᵧ]ₙ.
E461 Methyl Cellulose molecular weight is in a high molar mass range depending on the degree of polymerization.
E461 Methyl Cellulose CAS No is registered as 9004-67-5.
E461 Methyl Cellulose EC / EINECS No is specifically located in the polymer inventory pool.
E461 Methyl Cellulose chemical class is Cellulose Ether / Water-Soluble Polymer.
E461 Methyl Cellulose main functions are Thickener, thermal gelling agent, water-holding agent, film former, emulsifier, and binder.

E461 Methyl Cellulose is generally produced through the etherification of alkali cellulose obtained from natural wood fibers or cotton linters with methyl chloride, followed by purification and grinding.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is a registered additive with a safe usage profile in international food, pharmaceutical, and chemical inventories.
E461 Methyl Cellulose purity degree, methoxy content, and heavy metal limits in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial grades are strictly inspected according to international standards.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

E461 Methyl Cellulose is generally a white to light yellowish fibrous powder substance.
E461 Methyl Cellulose physical appearance is a white to cream-colored odorless fibrous powder.
E461 Methyl Cellulose bulk density is approximately between 0.30 - 0.50 g/cm³ in a loose state.
E461 Methyl Cellulose solubility in water dissolves in cold water and ice water to form a colloidal solution; insoluble in hot water, forms a gel; insoluble in ethanol.
E461 Methyl Cellulose thermal gelation temperature is generally in the range of 50 °C - 58 °C.
E461 Methyl Cellulose pH value has a neutral character in the approximate range of 5.0 - 8.0 in a 1% aqueous solution.

HOW DOES E461 METHYL CELLULOSE WORK AT THE MOLECULAR LEVEL?

E461 Methyl Cellulose hydrates in cold water, building a cage consisting of water molecules around the polymer chains and providing high viscosity.
E461 Methyl Cellulose molecules lose water molecules in the hydration shell when heated, and methyl groups interact with each other to form a reversible (dissolvable) thermal gel network.
E461 Methyl Cellulose presence creates a strong barrier preventing water evaporation and oil leakage during cooking in food systems.
E461 Methyl Cellulose preserves its stability by being minimally affected by salts and pH changes in the formulation thanks to its non-ionic structure.

WHICH INDUSTRIES IS IT USED IN?

E461 Methyl Cellulose is used in the food industry as a consistency and texture regulator in meat alternatives, vegan products, sauces, soups, bakery products, and ice creams.
E461 Methyl Cellulose takes place in pharmaceutical preparations as a tablet binder, controlled release agent, eye drops, and in the production of plant-based capsules.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is evaluated in the cosmetic sector as an emulsion mixer and viscosity adjuster in creams, lotions, shampoos, and toothpastes.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is a water-holding additive in construction and building chemicals in mortars, ceramic adhesives, and gypsum-based plasters.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is used in the paint, coating, and agricultural sectors as a film former and dispersion stabilizer.

THINGS TO CONSIDER DURING USE

E461 Methyl Cellulose usage limits stipulated in relevant national and international regulations (TGK, EFSA, FDA) must be complied with when used in food and drug formulations.
E461 Methyl Cellulose should be strictly protected from moisture during storage and kept tightly closed in its original packaging in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated environment.
E461 Methyl Cellulose powder should not be inhaled, a dust mask should be used in the working environment, and direct contact with the eyes should be avoided.

TECHNICAL SUMMARY

E461 Methyl Cellulose is a fundamental cellulose ether widely used in many sectors from food to construction with its superior water-holding capacity, unique thermal gelation property, and safe profile.
E461 Methyl Cellulose is an indispensable performance additive that provides rheological control, optimizes texture, and increases stability in industrial formulations.

CONTACT ATAMAN KIMYA
For further information, technical specifications, product quality details, and supply inquiries regarding E461 Methyl Cellulose, please contact Ataman Kimya.