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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.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is also used as a lubricant for artificial eyes.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is used as a sieving matrix for DNA separations by capillary and microchip electrophoresis.
CAS Number: 9004-64-2
EC Number: 618-389-6
General Polymer Formula: [C6H7O2(OH)x(OCH2CHOHCH3)y]n
Molecular Weight: Typically 50,000 – 1,250,000 g/mol depending on grade
SYNONYMS:
Cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl ether, oxypropylated cellulose, E463, hyprolose, Hydroxypropyl cellulose, Cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl Ether, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Unspecified, Hydroxypropylcellulose, RefChem:55378, 9XZ8H6N6OH, Klucel, Modified cellulose, 618-388-0, Cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl ether, Hydroxypropyl cellulose, DTXSID6044270, E-463, HYDROXY PROPYL CELLULOSE, HYDROXY PROPYL CELLULOSE NF, HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE (II), HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE (USP-RS), HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE NF, HYDROXYPROPYLCELLULOSE (EP MONOGRAPH), INS NO.463, INS-463, NSC125428, Cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl ether, Oxypropylated cellulose, E463, Hyprolose, 2-Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Cellulose, 2-Hydroxypropyl ether, Oxypropylated Cellulose, E463, hyprolose, Hydroxypropylcellulose, HPC, Hydroxypropyl Ether Cellulose, Propylhydroxy Cellulose, Cellulose Hydroxypropyl Ether, Klucel, E463, INS No. 463
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a derivative of cellulose with both water solubility and organic solubility.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is made from cellulose and used as a thickening agent in food.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is cellulose obtained directly from strains of fibrous plant material and partially etherified with hydroxypropyl groups.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose can be used as an emulsifier, film former, protective colloid, stabilizer, suspending agent, or thickener in food, may be also used as a binder in dietary supplements.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a low-substituted poly (hydroxypropyl) ether of cellulose, manufactured by partial etherification of the anhydroglucose units of pure cellulose (wood pulp) with propylene oxide/hydroxypropyl groups.
The full name is low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose within a small portion of the hydroxypropyl groups in the anhydroglucose unit.
The E number E463a which was inserted since 2018.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a chemically modified cellulose ether derived from natural cellulose.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is highly valued in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries for its versatile functional properties.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a naturally occurring polymer often used in food production to replace vegetable fats and gums.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a colorless powder, insoluble in water, with a neutral taste and odor.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a semisynthetic food additive with emulsifying, stabilizing, thickening, surfacing and formation of suspensions role, obtained from cellulose.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is insoluble and indigestible, having a detoxifying role for the digestive tract.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is an insoluble slightly hygroscopic powder, which is used in the quantities on the recipes in dairy products, in sweets, creams, emulsified fat spreads with or without flavors, sauces, snacks, ice creams, processed, preserved fruits and vegetables, meat products, fish, eggs, spices, soups, broths, salads, edible membranes, vegetable protein products, nutritional supplements, mustard, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, dietetic products etc.
Produced from alkaline-swollen cellulose (E 460) by reaction with methyl chloride, ethyl chloride, or propylene oxide.
Important for bread and baked goods to regulate volume, color, and freshness, as well as to stabilize fillings and foams.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose improves the adhesion of breading to fish sticks.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose stabilizes microwaveable ready meals and adds nutritionally worthless bulk to light products.
No adverse effects are known, apart from a laxative or constipating effect.
E 464 is also approved for organic products.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose (CAS 9004-64-2), commonly abbreviated as E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose and listed as E463 in food applications, is a water-soluble cellulose ether used across pharmaceutical, food, and industrial formulations.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose ether produced by chemically modifying natural cellulose with propylene oxide under alkaline conditions.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose belongs to the family of modified cellulose polymers widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors because of its thickening, binding, stabilizing, emulsifying, and film-forming properties.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose appears as a white to slightly yellowish powder that is odorless and tasteless.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose dissolves in cold water and many polar organic solvents to produce clear, viscous solutions.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is known for its excellent flexibility, thermoplasticity, film-forming ability, and compatibility with many other ingredients.
Because E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is non-ionic, it remains relatively stable over a broad pH range and shows good compatibility with salts and surfactants.
USES and APPLICATIONS of E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is well established in the medical, pharmaceutical, and food industries as a widely applicable non-toxic, and cost-effective raw material.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is commonly used as a thickener, emulsifier, stabilizer, binder and anti-caking agent.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose has E number E463.
In pharmaceuticals E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is used as a binder in tablets, and is used variously within cosmetic formulations such as shampoos, conditioners, and lotions.
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.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is also used as a lubricant for artificial eyes.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is used as a sieving matrix for DNA separations by capillary and microchip electrophoresis.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is the main ingredient in Cellugel, described as a "safe, penetrating consolidant for leather book covers affected by red rot" by Preservation Solutions, and used in book conservation.
Due to its ability for structural color and mechanochromism at the right concentrations, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose can also be utilised as an optical strain sensor, or as a more environmentally responsible color display technology driven mechanically.
Common applications of E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose: Sauces, soy drinks, milk, creams, juices, soft drinks, ice creams, biscuits, pastry, bakery, sausages, cheese, flour, chewing gum, gluten-free products
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is used as an excipient; a topical ophthalmic protectant and lubricant; a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations; a sieving matrix for DNA separations by capillary and microchip electrophoresis; a leather consolidant used in book preservation; and a wood consolidant.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is used as a binder and disintegrant in tablets or wafers containing dietary supplements of vitamins and/or minerals.
As mentioned above, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose can be used in food as a thickener, emulsifier and stabilizer in food and cosmetics; while L-E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is commonly used in pharmaceuticals as a disintegrant and binder for tablets.
Food Additive: E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is used to improve the texture, stability, and appearance of various food products.
Thickener: E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose acts as an effective thickening agent in sauces, soups, and other food products, providing the desired consistency without altering taste.
Stabilizer: E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose helps stabilize emulsions and suspensions, ensuring uniformity and preventing separation of ingredients.
Binder: In the pharmaceutical industry, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is used as a binder in tablet formulations, ensuring the tablets remain intact until consumption.
Emulsifier: E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is used to create stable emulsions, improving the texture and consistency of various products.
Pharmaceutical Grade: E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is used in controlled release formulations to modulate the release rate of active ingredients in pharmaceutical products.
Dietary Fiber: As a soluble fiber, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose can be used to enhance the fiber content of dietary products.
Gluten-Free: E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-free food products.
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.
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.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a Demulcent.
The mechanism of action of E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is as a Demulcent Activity.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is widely used in the food industry.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is used as a thickener, emulsifier, stabilizer, binder, and fixative in various food products.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose can be found in products such as sauces, soups, ice creams, jellies, as well as in some baked goods and confectionery.
In addition, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is often used in low-calorie and low-fat products as a fat substitute, allowing texture and consistency to be maintained without the addition of fat.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is an additive primarily used as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in the food industry.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is commonly used as a food additive due to its ability to improve the texture, consistency, and stability of food products.
Key applications of E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose: Pharmaceuticals, Lubricants, Industries, and Lubricants.
Uses of E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose: Low fat cream, UHT cream
Other Uses of E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose: Cosmetics, tobacco
Hydroxypropylcellulose is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and foaming agent.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose dissolves easily in water, thickens liquids, and forms a gel when heated.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose also acts as a binder and bulking agent in sauces.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose makes ice cream creamier.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is also used as a substance-support for other food additives.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose functions primarily as a thickener, binder, and film-former, giving formulators precise control over viscosity and texture across a broad range of processing conditions.
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a standard binder.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is used in tablet wet granulation and as a film-coating polymer for immediate-release dosage forms.
Food producers use E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose as a stabilizer and emulsifier in processed foods, bakery products, and dietary supplements.
Personal care formulators incorporate E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose into gels, creams, and hair-fixative products to build viscosity and improve product spreadability.
In construction, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose functions as a water-retention agent in tile adhesives.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is also used in cement-based mortars, reducing premature drying during application.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is supplied as a white to off-white powder in multiple viscosity grades, with low-, medium-, and high-viscosity variants available.
These variants are designed to match specific process requirements.
Standard grades include FCC (food-grade), USP/NF, and Ph.Eur., supporting regulated applications across food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose also meets BP and EP standards where required.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is used as an emulsifier, emulsion stabilizer, thickener, foaming agent, and as a component of surface films on confectionery.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose can also be found in vitamin tablets, some deep-frozen foods, frozen convenience foods, and microwaveable foods.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is also used as wallpaper paste and as a film former for plant protection products.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is widely valued for its multifunctional performance.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose can act as a thickener, binder, protective colloid, coating agent, stabilizer, suspension aid, and rheology modifier depending on the formulation and concentration used.
Cosmetics: Per the “European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients”, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose can work as a binding, emulsifying, emulsion stabilising, film forming, and viscosity controlling agent in cosmetic and personal care products.
Pharmaceuticals: E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose can be used as a disintegrant for its swelling action in water; also, it is good for both wet and dry blending in hard tablets due to its good compressibility and binding ability.
Treating Dry Eyes: E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is an ingredient in many prescriptions for treating dry eyes and other eye disorders, such as keratitis, decreased corneal sensitivity.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is widely used in the food industry as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, coating agent, and texture modifier.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose improves viscosity, consistency, moisture retention, and mouthfeel in processed foods, bakery products, sauces, dessert systems, whipped toppings, and specialty formulations.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose may also be used in edible films and coatings because of its excellent film-forming properties.
In pharmaceutical applications, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is extensively used as a tablet binder, film coating polymer, sustained-release matrix former, thickening agent, and stabilizer.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose helps improve tablet hardness, coating quality, and controlled drug release behavior.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is commonly used in oral solid dosage forms, ophthalmic products, topical gels, and transdermal systems.
Due to its solubility in both water and organic solvents, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is especially valuable in pharmaceutical coating technologies.
In cosmetics and personal care products, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose functions as a thickener, film former, stabilizer, and rheology modifier.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is found in shampoos, creams, lotions, gels, mascaras, hair sprays, skin-care products, and toothpaste.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose improves texture, spreadability, product stability, and moisture retention while also helping form flexible cosmetic films.
In industrial applications, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is used in paints, coatings, adhesives, ceramic products, textile processing, inks, detergents, and polymer formulations.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose's thermoplasticity and rheological control properties help improve coating uniformity, suspension stability, flow characteristics, and adhesion performance.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is also used in specialty applications such as edible packaging films, controlled-release technologies, printing systems, and membrane materials due to its versatile physicochemical behavior.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose (CAS 9004-64-2), commonly abbreviated as E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose and listed as E463 in food applications, is a water-soluble cellulose ether used across pharmaceutical, food, and industrial formulations.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose functions primarily as a thickener, binder, and film-former, giving formulators precise control over viscosity and texture across a broad range of processing conditions.
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a standard binder.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is used in tablet wet granulation and as a film-coating polymer for immediate-release dosage forms.
Food producers use E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose as a stabilizer and emulsifier in processed foods, bakery products, and dietary supplements.
Personal care formulators incorporate E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose into gels, creams, and hair-fixative products to build viscosity and improve product spreadability.
In construction, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose functions as a water-retention agent in tile adhesives.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is also used in cement-based mortars, reducing premature drying during application.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is supplied as a white to off-white powder in multiple viscosity grades, with low-, medium-, and high-viscosity variants available.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is used as an active ingredient in the production of ice cream, in bread improvers, and in various coatings.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is also used in cosmetics to make various products.
-The use of E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose in food and beverages:
There is no maximum quantity limit for E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose, and it is approved for use in almost all food products.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is often used as a protective layer and glossy coating.
Foods that may contain E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose include, for example: sauces, mayonnaise, ketchup, sweets, Desserts, Ice, Puff pastry, Cake, Cookies, Ready-made baking mixes, Baking ingredients, processed cheese, Dips, Fish products, pudding, yogurt, cream.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose may also be used in organic products.
This additive is also permitted in cosmetics and medical products.
-Disintegration uses of E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose:
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose absorbs water and significantly expands in volume although it is not suitable in water.
This swelling ability accelerates the disintegration and increases the fineness of a tablet dispersion.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose has better disintegration capability than other disintegrants such as sodium starch glycolate in both vitamin c tablets and aspirin tablets.
-Compression uses of E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose:
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose can be used as a binder in both direct compression and wet granulation tablets.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose increases the hardness of the tablet than other excipients such as croscarmellose sodium.
And as it is non-ionic it improves the bioavailability of the API.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is almost impossible to react with active ingredients in tablets compared with ionic excipients under the same moisture level.
-Food uses of E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose:
*Precooked Food
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose preserves the freshness for hamburger, pizza, chicken and other foods by spraying it on the surface of these foods before cooking.
And it can quickly disintegrate within 3 minutes during cooking.
*Stabilizer
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose functions as a stabilizer in ice cream and frozen milk to prolong the storage period and improve the overflow; It is used as a coating for chocolate and prevents the chocolate from softening, oxidation and mold when stored in a frozen temperature.
It is also used to stabilize loose food products.
It is excellent in foaming and works well with vegetable oils.
BENEFITS of E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
Excellent film-forming properties
Good water solubility
Soluble in some organic solvents
Broad pH stability
Non-ionic compatibility
Effective thickening capability
Improves texture and consistency
Provides moisture retention
Flexible and transparent film formation
Supports controlled drug release
Good binding performance
Stable under many processing conditions
Thermoplastic behavior
Effective rheology modifier
Suitable for vegetarian and vegan applications
Derived from renewable plant cellulose sources
ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION of E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is produced through etherification of purified cellulose with propylene oxide under alkaline conditions.
The hydroxypropyl substitution level and molecular weight determine the polymer’s viscosity, solubility, gelation temperature, and mechanical performance.
Commercial HPC grades vary in:
Molecular weight
Viscosity
Particle size
Hydroxypropyl substitution level
Moisture content
Dissolution characteristics
Film-forming behavior
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose belongs to the cellulose ether family, which includes:
Methyl Cellulose (E461)
Ethyl Cellulose (E462)
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (E464)
Ethyl Methyl Cellulose (E465)
Carboxymethyl Cellulose (E466)
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
CHARACTERISTICS AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES of E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose possesses a unique balance of water solubility, organic solvent compatibility, flexibility, and thermoplasticity.
Unlike some other cellulose ethers, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is soluble not only in water but also in certain organic solvents, which makes it particularly valuable in coatings and pharmaceutical systems.
One of the major characteristics of E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is its excellent film-forming ability.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose produces flexible, transparent, and durable films with good adhesion properties.
This makes E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose useful in tablet coatings, edible films, cosmetic products, and industrial coatings.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose also exhibits reversible thermal gelation behavior.
When heated above a certain temperature, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose's aqueous solutions can form gels, which return to liquid form upon cooling.
This property contributes to E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose's usefulness in rheology control and stabilization applications.
Because E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is non-ionic, it is relatively insensitive to electrolytes and remains stable over a wide pH range.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose also demonstrates good lubricity, flexibility, and binding performance in dry formulations.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose structure and substitution degree significantly affect viscosity, solubility, gelation temperature, and mechanical properties.
Commercial grades are available in many molecular weights and viscosity ranges to suit different industrial applications.
CHARACTERISTICS of E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a crystalline substance occurring in various intermediate phases of the liquid and solid states, e.g. in liquid crystals.
ORIGIN of E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is prepared from cellulose, the main polysaccharide and constituent of wood and all plant structures.
Commercially prepared from wood and chemically propylated.
FUNCTION & CHARACTERISTICS of E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
Many different uses, mainly as thickening agent, but also as filler, dietary fibre, anti clumping agent and emulsfier.
Similar as cellulose, but better soluble in water.
A derivative of cellulose, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is commonly used as an excipient, lubricant, and topical ophthalmic protectant.
PROPERTIES of E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose has many beneficial properties that make it a popular food additive.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is stable over a wide pH range, allowing it to be used in a variety of foods.
Furthermore, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose has the ability to form a gel, making it an ideal ingredient for thickening and stabilizing sauces, soups, puddings, and other products.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is also resistant to enzymes, meaning it can be used in products subjected to heat treatment, pasteurization, or long-term storage.
E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE AND ITS FUNCTIONS IN FOOD:
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose plays an important role in the food industry, as it allows manufacturers to create products with desired texture, consistency, and stability.
As a versatile additive, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is used in a wide variety of food products, helping to maintain their quality and shelf life.
CHARACTERISTICS of E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose belongs to the group of stabilizers that are used to preserve and stabilize the viscosity and consistency of food products.
In some countries, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is prohibited for use.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose can be used as an emulsifier, thickener and stabilizer.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a powder or hygroscopic granules and is obtained from plant fibers, which, after swelling in an alkaline environment, interact with propylene oxide.
PRODUCTION OF E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is produced by treating cellulose with propylene oxide, resulting in the substitution of some of the hydroxyl groups with hydroxypropyl groups.
This modification enhances its solubility in water and organic solvents, making E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose suitable for a wide range of applications.
WHAT IS E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE MADE FROM?
Cellulose is a polymer of glucose containing hydroxyl groups (-OH) which can be substituted with hydroxypropoxy groups (–OCH2CHOHCH3) to produce E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose.
This mechanism is same with that of producing sodium CMC.
The manufacturing process can be furthered as the newly added hydroxyl groups in hydroxypropoxy groups can also be etherified.
That’s resulted in the degree of substitute (DS) can be higher than 3.
Generally, the production can be achieved by two steps, alkalinization and etherification.
Step 1: Alkalinization
Disperse the raw material cellulose pulp in an alkali solution (generally sodium hydroxide, 5–50%) to form alkali cellulose.
Cell-OH+NaOH →Cell•O-Na+ +H2O
Step 2: Etherification
The reaction of alkali cellulose with propylene oxide is under strictly controlled conditions.
In this reaction step, the hydroxyl groups (-OH) on the anhydroglucose monomers of the cellulose chain are partially replaced by hydroxypropoxy groups (–OCH2CHOHCH3) after etherification.
WHAT IS E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE MADE OF ?
The production of food additive E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose:
The additive E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a water-soluble, yellowish-white powder used in the food industry as an emulsifier, coating agent, filler, stabilizer, foaming agent, and thickener.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is chemically produced from cellulose (wood, cotton fibers, or corn stalks) and propylene oxide.
Genetically modified cotton can also be used for this purpose.
IS E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE UNHEALTHY?
According to current scientific knowledge, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose has no harmful effects on the human body when consumed in small amounts and is considered safe.
However, excessive consumption of E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose can have a mild laxative effect.
CHEMISTRY of E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose 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 E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose.
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, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose must have an MS about 4 in order to reach a good solubility in water.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose has a combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups, so it has a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) at 45 °C.
At temperatures below the LCST, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is readily soluble in water; above the LCST, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is not soluble.
At the right concentrations, E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose forms liquid crystals and many mesophases.
Such mesophases include isotropic, anisotropic, nematic and cholesteric.
The last one gives many colors such as violet, green and red.
These colors are structural colors by nature and are also mechanochromic, meaning the E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose mesophase changes color when stress is applied
PROPERTIES of E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
Appearance
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is slightly hygroscopic white or slightly yellowish or greyish odourless and tasteless, granular or fibrous powder.
Solubility
In Water
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose: Soluble and swell in water, generate a clear to opalescent, viscous, colloidal solution.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose: Insoluble in water; swelling in water.
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose dissolves in a solution of 10 % sodium hydroxide producing a viscous solution.
In Organic solvent
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose is soluble in ethanol, insoluble in ether.
CAS Number
9004-64-2
Chemical Formula
The polymers contain substituted anhydroglucose units with the following general formula:
C6H7O2(OR1)(OR2)(OR3), where R1, R2, R3 each may be one of the following:
— H
— CH2CHOHCH3
— CH2CHO(CH2CHOHCH3)CH3
— CH2CHO[CH2CHO(CH2CHOHCH3)CH3]CH3
PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
Appearance: White to slightly yellowish powder
Physical Form: Fibrous or granular powder
Odor: Odorless
Taste: Tasteless
Ionic Character: Non-ionic
Solubility in Water: Soluble in cold water
Solubility in Organic Solvents: Soluble in ethanol, methanol, and some polar organic solvents
Solubility in Hot Water: Reduced solubility at elevated temperatures
Viscosity: Available in low, medium, and high viscosity grades
pH Stability: Stable over a broad pH range
Hygroscopicity: Slightly hygroscopic
Film-Forming Ability: Excellent
Thermoplastic Properties: Thermoplastic behavior at elevated temperatures
Emulsifying Properties: Moderate emulsifying capacity
Surface Activity: Surface-active polymer
Density: Approximately 1.2 – 1.4 g/cm³
Thermal Gelation: Exhibits reversible thermal gelation
Moisture Retention: Good water retention properties
Compatibility: Compatible with many salts, surfactants, gums, and polymers
Solution Appearance: Clear, smooth viscous solutions
Ash Content: Low
Decomposition Temperature: Decomposes at elevated temperatures
Stability: Stable under normal storage and processing conditions
Melting Point: 155.10 °C
Density: 0.50 g/cm³
Appearance: white powder
Color: White to light cream
Odor: at 100.00?%. odorless
Form: powder
Water Solubility: Soluble in polar organic solvents, in water at room temperature.
Soluble in water, methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol and other organic solvents.
Refractive Index: 1.5600
pH: pH (20g/l, 25℃) : 5.0～7.5
Chemical Name: Hydroxypropyl Cellulose
Common Abbreviation: HPC
Food Additive Number: E463
CAS Number: 9004-64-2
EC Number: 618-389-6
Molecular Formula: Variable polymer
General Polymer Formula: [C6H7O2(OH)x(OCH2CHOHCH3)y]n
Molecular Weight: Typically 50,000 – 1,250,000 g/mol depending on grade
Chemical Family: Non-ionic Cellulose Ether
FIRST AID MEASURES of E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation:
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact:
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact:
Rinse out with plenty of water.
Call in ophthalmologist.
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing:
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most).
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains.
Collect, bind, and pump off spills.
Observe possible material restrictions.
Take up dry.
Dispose of properly.
Clean up affected area.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Foam
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.
EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Foam
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.
HANDLING and STORAGE of E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.
Dry.
STABILITY and REACTIVITY of E463 HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available
