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E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose)

CAS:9004-64-2
Molecular Fomula:C3H7O 
Molecular Weight:59.08708
Appearance: white powder

What is E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose)?
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is a derivative of cellulose. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is used in the industry as an excipient and as an ophthalmic ingredient to treat dry eye disease and irritation caused by insufficient tears. 
As an ophthalmic agent, E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) acts to stabilize and thicken tears and prolongs the tear film breakup time which is usually accelerated in patients with dry eye states. 

E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is also used as an excipient (defined as substances other than the active ingredient included in the finished pharmaceutical product dosage form). 
According to Drug Topics, E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) can be used as a tablet binder, thickening agent, viscosity-increasing agent, coating agent and film former in the pharmaceutical industry

E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is an ether of cellulose in which hydroxyl groups are hydroxypropylated. 
There are many classes of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) which differ in their viscosity. E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is used as coating agents, stabilizesr, binders, etc. 
In this application, E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) of two different molecular weights were analyzed using OHpak SB-806M HQ, a column for aqueous SEC column.
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) (HPC) is a derivative of cellulose with both water solubility and organic solubility. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is used as an excipient, and topical ophthalmic protectant and lubricant.

Chemistry
HPC is an ether of cellulose in which some of the hydroxyl groups in the repeating glucose units have been hydroxypropylated forming -OCH2CH(OH)CH3 groups using propylene oxide. 
The average number of substituted hydroxyl groups per glucose unit is referred to as the degree of substitution (DS). 
Complete substitution would provide a DS of 3. Because the hydroxypropyl group added contains a hydroxyl group, this can also be etherified during preparation of HPC. 
When this occurs, the number of moles of hydroxypropyl groups per glucose ring, moles of substitution (MS), can be higher than 3.
Because cellulose is very crystalline, HPC must have an MS about 4 in order to reach a good solubility in water. 
HPC has a combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups, so E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) has a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) at 45 °C. 
At temperatures below the LCST, HPC is readily soluble in water; above the LCST, HPC is not soluble.
HPC forms liquid crystals and many mesophases according to its concentration in water. 
Such mesophases include isotropic, anisotropic, nematic and cholesteric. 
The last one gives many colors such as violet, green and red.

Uses
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is used to treat medical conditions characterized by insufficient tear production such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca), recurrent corneal erosions, decreased corneal sensitivity, exposure and neuroparalytic keratitis. 
HPC is also used as a lubricant for artificial eyes. HPC is used as a thickener, a low level binder and as an emulsion stabiliser with E number E463. 
In pharmaceuticals E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is used as a binder in tablets.
HPC is used as a sieving matrix for DNA separations by capillary and microchip electrophoresis.
HPC is the main ingredient in Cellugel, which is used in book conservation. 
Cellugel is described as "A safe, penetrating consolidant for leather book covers affected by red rot" and is produced by Preservation Solutions.
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) (HPC) is a derivative of cellulose that gives rise to bright colours when in E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose)'s liquid crystalline phase and is responsive to external stimuli. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) has the advantages of being biocompatible and edible and as such, commonly found as a thickening agent in pharmaceuticals and in food products (for example, E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is used as a thickener in sauces and dips, or as a stabiliser in whipped cream).
In water, E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) forms liquid crystals with many mesophases depending on concentration. 
These mesophases include isotropic, anisotropic, nematic and cholesteric, the latter resulting in many colors such as violet, green and red. 
Pharmaceutical applications include treatments for medical conditions such as dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), recurrent corneal erosions, decreased corneal sensitivity, exposure and neuroparalytic keratitis. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is also used as a binder in tablets. 
Hydroxypropylcellulose is also used as a thickener, a binder and emulsion stabiliser in foods with E number E463.  
HPC is used as a support matrix for DNA separations by capillary and microchip electrophoresis.
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is a gum that is nonionic water-soluble cellulose, obtained from the reaction of alkali cellulose with propyl- ene oxide at high temperatures and pressures. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is soluble in water below 40°c, is precipitated as a floc between 40°c and 45°c, and is insoluble above 45°c. 
the precipitation is reversible with the origi- nal viscosity being restored upon cooling below 40°c and stirring. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is used in whipped toppings as a stabilizing and foaming aid; in edible food coatings as a glaze and oil/oxygen barrier; and in fabri- cated foods as a binder. 
typical usage level is 0.05–1.0%.


What Does E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) (HPC) Mean?
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) (HPC) is a chemical substance with the chemical formula C3H7O that is an ether of cellulose. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) presents as a white to light cream powder. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is formed when some of the hydroxyl groups in the successive glucose units have been hydroxypropylated.
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is mostly used as a constituent in pharmaceutical products, and care must be taken to avoid the corrosion of process vessels during its production.

Description
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) (HPC) is a derivative of cellulose being soluble in both water and organic acid. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is excellent in trapping water and preventing water loss. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) can be used to treat diseases associated with insufficient tear production such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, recurrent corneal erosions, decreased corneal sensitivity, and exposure and neuroparalytic keratitis. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is also used as a lubricant of artificial eyes. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) can also be used as a thickener, an emulsion stabilizer and binder. 
Moreover, E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) can be used as a sieving matrix for DNA separation through capillary and microchip electrophoresis. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is also the major ingredient of Cellugel, which is used in book conservation.

Description
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is a cellulose ether containing hydroxypropyl substitution. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) occurs as a white powder. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is soluble in water and in certain organic solvents. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) may contain a suitable anticaking agent.

Chemical Properties
White or yellowish-white powder or granules, hygroscopic after drying
Chemical Properties
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is a white to slightly yellow-colored, odorless and tasteless powder.
Originator

Applications
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is used in the synthesis of nanoparticle carriers for drug delivery.
As emulsifier, stabilizer, whipping aid, protective colloid, film former or thickener in foods; as binder in ceramics and glazes; in hair and cosmetic 
Preparations; in vacuum-formed containers and blow-molded bottles; as suspending agent in PVC polymerization. 
Pharmaceutic aid (tablet coating agent).

Pharmaceutical Applications
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is widely used in oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations.
In oral products, E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is primarily used in tableting as a binder,film-coating,and extended-release-matrix former. 
Concentrations of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) of 2–6% w/w may be used as a binder in either wet-granulation or dry, direct compression tableting processes. 
Concentrations of 15–35% w/w of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) may be used to produce tablets with an extended drug release. 
The release rate of a drug increases with decreasing viscosity of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose). The addition of an anionic surfactant similarly increases the viscosity of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) and hence decreases the release rate of a drug. 
Blends of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) and other cellulosic polymers have been used to improve wet granulation characteristics and tableting characteristics, as well as to achieve better control and manipulation of the rate of drug release. 
As an alternative technology to wet granulation, dry granulation and direct compression of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) formulations have been reported to exhibit acceptable tableting and flow characteristics for application in extended-release matrix tablets. 
Typically, a 5% w/w solution of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) may be used to film-coat tablets. 
Aqueous solutions containing E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) together with an amount of methyl cellulose or ethanolic solutions have been used. Stearic acid or palmitic acid may be added to ethanolic E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) solutions as plasticizers. 
Environmental concerns have limited the use of ethanol in film coating solutions. A low-substituted E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is used as a tablet disintegrant; see E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose), Low-substituted.
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is also used in microencapsulation processes and as a thickening agent. In topical formulations, E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is used in transdermal patches and ophthalmic preparations.
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is also used in cosmetics and in food products as an emulsifier and stabilizer.

Applications
Thickener, binder, and emulsifier.E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, whipping aid and thickener. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is also used as a binder in ceramics and glazes, additive in hair and cosmetic products and blow-molded bottles. 
Further, E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is used in contact lens wetting solutions, as a formulation aid and texturizer for foods. 
In addition, E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) serves as a topical ophthalmic protectant and lubricant. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) acts as a disintegrant and a binder in tablets. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is also utilized as a sieving matrix for DNA separations by capillary and microchip electrophoresis.

Definition
A cellulose ether with hydroxypropyl substitution.

Production Methods
A purified form of cellulose is reacted with sodium hydroxide to produce a swollen alkali cellulose that is chemically more reactive than untreated cellulose. 
The alkali cellulose is then reacted with propylene oxide at elevated temperature and pressure. 
The propylene oxide can be substituted on the cellulose through an ether linkage at the three reactive hydroxyls present on each anhydroglucose monomer unit of the cellulose chain. 
Etherification takes place in such a way that hydroxypropyl substituent groups contain almost entirely secondary hydroxyls. 
The secondary hydroxyl present in the side chain is available for further reaction with the propylene oxide, and ‘chaining-out’ may take place. 
Thisresults in the formation of side chains containing more than 1 mole of combined propylene oxide.

Manufacturing Process
Charge:
Procedure:
The tertiary butanol, water and sodium hydroxide were mixed and the mixture cooled to 20°C. 
The purified cotton linters were added to the mixture and aged at 20°C for one hour while stirring. 
Excess liquid was filtered off the resulting alkali cellulose so that the resulting alkali cellulose filter cake weighed 3.08 parts. 
This filter cake was broken up and slurried in the hexane, placed in a pressure vessel the pressure of which was increased to 100 psig with nitrogen, and then the pressure was vented to 5 psig. 
The propylene oxide was added to the pressure vessel and then the pressure was increased to 25 psig with nitrogen. 
The resulting charge was heated to 85°C in 30 minutes and then reacted at this temperature and 25 psig pressure for six hours. 
The charge was cooled to 30°C. the pressure vessel vented and 0.14 part of glacial acetic acid added. 
The excess hexane was filtered off from the resulting E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) product, the product was purified by washing with hot water (85°C to 95°C) and then dried at 130°C using a two-roll drum drier.

Therapeutic Function
Topical protectant, Ophthalmic vehicle
General Description
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) (HPC) is biocompatible in nature and exhibits low critical solution temperature (LCST). 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) has been reported to be prepared by reacting cellulose with alkali, producing alkali cellulose which is consecutively reacted with propylene oxide. 
HPC is soluble in water at lower than RT. Viscosity behaves inversely to rise in temperature.

Purity: 99%

Background
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is an ether of cellulose where some of the hydroxyl groups of the cellulose have been hydroxypropylated forming -OCH2CH(OH)CH3 groups. Lacrisertis a formulation of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) that is used for artificial tears. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is used to treat syndromes characterized by insufficient tear production (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), recurrent corneal erosions, decreased corneal sensitivity, exposure and neuroparalytic keratitis, and as a lubricant for artificial eyes. 
As a food additive, E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is used as a thickener and as an emulsion stabilizer.

Description
A cellulose ether with a hydroxypropyl functional group substitution. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) (HPC) is a nonionic thermoplastic polymer that is soluble in water as well as many organic solvents. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is used as an Emulsifier, Stabilizer, thickener, and film former in many types of solutions such as foods, cosmetics, paint removers, paints and glazes. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is also used as a sizing agent for Paper and consolidant for Leather. While HPC has good photochemical stability, it has poor thermal stability and discolors with age. 
Although the low molecular weight products, such as Klucel® G, performed better than the high molecular weight products, such as Klucel® M, testing indicates that HPC polymers should not be considered for long term us


Hydroxypropyl %    60-77
Loss on drying (%):≤5.0
Reduce on ignition: ≤1.5
pH: 4.0-8.0
Viscosity: 150-400
Transmittance: %70
Particle fineness(20 orders)≥    99
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) Usage
Pharmaceutical industry as a binder and film, in the cosmetics, coatings, ink industry as a film agent, dispersant, stabilizer, thickening agent

E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) Packaging
Packaging:25kg/drum
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) Storage

Computed Properties    
Molecular Weight :192.30    
XLogP3-AA    2.2    
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count    1    
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count    2    
Rotatable Bond Count    3    
Exact Mass    192.162648646    
Monoisotopic Mass    192.162648646    
Topological Polar Surface Area    29.3 Ų    
Heavy Atom Count    14    
Formal Charge    0    
Complexity    168    )
Isotope Atom Count    0    
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count    0    
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count    1    
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count    0    
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count    0    
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count    1    
Compound Is Canonicalized    Yes    C

Properties
Melting point:371.06 °C
Density 0.5 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
solubility polar oganic solvents: soluble
form powder
color White to light cream
PHpH (20g/l, 25℃) : 5.0~7.5
PH Range5.0 - 8.5
Water Solubility Soluble in polar organic solvents, in water at room temperature.
Soluble in water, methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol and other organic solvents.
Merck 14,4841
Stability:Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Combustible.
Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS)E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose)

Pharmacodynamics
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) (cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl ether) is a derivative of cellulose with both water solubility and organic solubility. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) acts to stabilize and thicken the precorneal tear film and prolong the tear film breakup time which is usually accelerated in patients with dry eye states. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) also acts to lubricate and protect the eye. E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) usually reduces the signs and symptoms resulting from moderate to severe dry eye syndromes, such as conjunctival hyperemia, corneal and conjunctival staining with rose bengal, exudation, itching, burning, foreign body sensation, smarting, photophobia, dryness and blurred or cloudy vision. 
Progressive visual deterioration which occurs in some patients may be retarded, halted, or sometimes reversed.

Mechanism of action
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is a derivative of cellulose that is soluble in both water and organic solvents. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is particularly good at trapping water and producing a film that serves as a barrier to water loss. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) possesses good surface activity but does not gel as it forms open helical coils. 
In general E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is a water-soluble thickener, emulsifier and film-former often used in tablet coating.

Absorption
Studies conducted in rats fed 14 C-labeled E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) demonstrated that when orally administered, E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is quantitatively excreted in the feces.

Volume of distribution
Not Available

Protein binding
None

Metabolism
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is a physiologically inert substance. 
In a study of rats fed E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) or unmodified cellulose at levels up to 5% of their diet, it was found that the two were biologically equivalent in that neither was metabolized.

Route of elimination
Studies conducted in rats fed 14C-labeled E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) demonstrated that when orally administered, E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is quantitatively excreted in the feces.

Technical Information    
Safety Information    
SDS & Certificate of Analysis
Usage :The particle size is 20 mesh with a biological oxygen demand of 14,000 ppm
Physical State :Solid
Solubility :Soluble in cold water (and forms gels at high concentrations), ethanol, methanol, and polar organic solvents. Insoluble in hot water (above 40-45 °C).
pH :5.0 - 8.5
Storage :Store at room temperature
Melting Point :100-150° C
Density :0.5 g/cm3 at 25° C (lit.)

Chemical & Physical Properties
Density    1.3±0.1 g/cm3
Boiling Point    891.2±65.0 °C at 760 mmHg
Molecular Formula    C36H70O19
Molecular Weight    806.930
Flash Point    492.8±34.3 °C
Exact Mass    806.451111
LogP    -1.24
Appearance of Characters    powder | White to light cream
Vapour Pressure    0.0±0.6 mmHg at 25°C
Index of Refraction    1.532
Stability    Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Combustible.
Water Solubility    polar oganic solvents: soluble

E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is a partially substituted poly(hydroxypropyl) ether of cellulose. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) may contain not more than 0.60 percent of silica or other suitable anticaking agents.
When dried at 105 for 1 hour, it contains not more than 80.5 percent of hydroxypropoxy groups.
Packaging and storage— Store in well-closed containers.
Labeling— Label it to indicate the viscosity in an aqueous solution of stated concentration and temperature. 
The indicated viscosity may be in the form of a range encompassing 50% to 150% of the average value.
Viscosity 911— Determine the apparent viscosity at the concentration and temperature specified on the label with a suitable rotational viscosimeter (see Labeling).
pH 791: between 5.0 and 8.0, in a solution (1 in 100).
Loss on drying 731— Dry it at 105 for 3 hours: it loses not more than 5.0% of its weight.
Residue on ignition 281— [Caution—Perform the mixing and heating of the mixtures containing hydrofluoric acid in a well-ventilated hood. ] 
Proceed as directed for Residue on Ignition 281, using a platinum crucible if silica may be present. 
If more than 0.2% residue is found, and silica is present, moisten the residue with water, and add about 5 mL of hydrofluoric acid, in small portions. 
Evaporate on steam bath to dryness, and cool. 
Add about 5 mL of hydrofluoric acid and about 0.5 mL of sulfuric acid, and evaporate to dryness. 
Slowly increase the temperature until all of the acids have been volatilized, and ignite at 1000 ± 25. 
Cool in a desiccator, and weigh: the difference between the final weight and the weight of the initially ignited portion represents the weight of silica, and the final weight is not more than 0.2% of the weight of test specimen taken for the ignition.

Description
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) (also Hydroxypropylcellulose or HPC) is a is a partially substituted poly (hydroxypropyl) ether of cellulose in which the hydroxyl groups on the cellulose backbone are hydroxypropylated to form -OCH2CH(OH)CH3 groups. 
The average number of hydroxyl groups in the glucose ring substituted is referred to as the degree of substitution (DS). 
Since the hydroxypropyl group added contains a hydroxyl group, this too can also be etherified. When this occurs, the number of moles of hydroxypropyl groups per glucose ring, or moles of substitution (MS), can he higher than 3.

Because of the high levels of hydroxypropylation (~ 70%), HPC is more plastic and relatively hydrophobic as compared to other water-soluble cellulose ethers. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is fully soluble in water and polar organic solvents, such as methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), and acetone. 
Solubility of HPC in water is temperature dependent, it is readily soluble at temperatures below the cloud-point (the temperature below which the polymer starts to phase-separate, and two phases appear, thus becoming cloudy), which is around 45°C.
HPC may contain not more than 0.6% of silica or another suitable anticaking agent. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) occurs as a white to slightly yellow-colored, odorless amid tasteless powder. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is commercially available in a number of different grades that have various solution viscosities.

Applications in Pharmaceutical Formulations
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is used as a coating agent; emulsifying agent; stabilizing agent; suspending agent; tablet binder; thickening agent; viscosity-increasing agent.
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is used widely in oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations. 
In oral products, E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is primarily used in tableting as a binder, film-coating, extended-release-matrix former. 
Concentrations of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) of 2-6% w/w may be used as a binder in either wet-granulation or direct compression tableting processes. 
Concentrations of 15-35% w/w of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) may be used to produce tablets with an extended drug release.
The release rate of a drug increases with decreasing viscosity of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose). 
The addition of an anionic surfactant similarly increases the viscosity of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) and hence decreases the release rate of a drug. 
Blends of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) and other cellulosic polymers can be used to improve wet granulation characteristics and tableting properties, as well as to achieve better control and manipulation of the rate of drug release. 
As an alternative technology to wet granulation, dry granulation and direct compression of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) formulations have been reported to exhibit acceptable tableting and flow characteristics for application in extended-release matrix tablets.
In film coatings, typically, a 5% w/w solution of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) can be used to film-coat tablets. 
Aqueous solutions containing E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) together with an amount of methyl cellulose can be used. 
Stearic acid or palmitic acid may be added to ethanolic E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) solutions as plasticizers.
In topical formulations, E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is used in transdermal patches and ophthalmic preparations. 
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) is also used in cosmetics and in food products as an emulsifier and stabilizer.

Pharmacopeia Specifications
Appearance    White or yellowish-white powder    
pH    5.0 – 8.5    
Appearance of solution    +    
Apparent viscosity    ³75 and ≤ 140%    
Silica    ≤0.6%    
Chlorides    ≤0.5%    
Heavy Metals    ≤10pm    
Loss on drying    ≤7.0%    
Sulphated ash    ≤1.6%    
Assay (of hydroxypropoxy groups)    50 – 80%    


Stability and Storage Conditions
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) powder is a stable material, although it is hygroscopic after drying. 
Aqueous solutions of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) are stable at pH 6.0 – 8.0, with the viscosity of solutions being relatively unaffected. 
However, at low pH aqueous solutions may undergo acid hydrolysis, resulting in chain scission and hence a decrease in solution viscosity. 
The rate of hydrolysis increases with increasing temperature and hydrogen ion concentration. 
At high pH, alkali, catalyzed oxidation may degrade the polymer and result in a decrease in viscosity of solutions. 
This degradation can occur owing to the presence of dissolved oxygen or oxidizing agents in a solution.

Increasing temperature causes the viscosity of aqueous solutions to decrease gradually until the viscosity drops suddenly at about 45C owing to the limited solubility of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose). 
However, this process is reversible and on cooling the original viscosity is restored.
The high level of substitution of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) improves the resistance of the polymer to degradation by molds and bacteria. 
However, aqueous solutions are susceptible to degradation under severe conditions and a viscosity decrease may occur. 
Certain enzymes produced by microbial action will degrade E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) in solution. 
Therefore, for prolonged storage, an antimicrobial preservative should he added to aqueous solutions. 
Solutions of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) in organic solvents do not generally require preservatives.
Ultraviolet light will also degrade E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) and aqueous solutions may therefore decrease slightly in viscosity if exposed to light for several months.
Aqueous E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) solutions have optimum stability when the pH is maintained at 6.0 – 8.0, and also when the solution is protected from light, beat, and the action of microorganisms.
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) in solution demonstrates some incompatibility with substituted phenol derivatives, such as methylparaben and propylparaben. 
The presence of anionic polymers may increase the viscosity of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) solutions.
The compatibility of E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) with inorganic salts varies depending upon the salt and its concentration.
The balance of the hydrophilic-lipophilic properties of the polymer, which are required for dual solubility, reduces its ability to hydrate with water and it therefore tends to be salted out in the presence of high concentrations of other dissolved materials.
E463 (Hydroxypropyl cellulose) powder should he stored in a well- closed container in a cool, dry place.

Alternative Names
4-(1-aminopropyl)-n,n,3-trimethylaniline
Hydroxypropylcellulose
Benzeneethanamine, 4-(dimethylamino)-alpha,2-dimethyl-
FLA 336
EINECS 278-702-3
DTXSID90998705
FT-0697011
1934416-77-9
 

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