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E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is commonly used as a tablet binder, coating agent, controlled-release polymer, and stabilizer in suspensions and topical formulations.
Its film-forming capability allows E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose to create protective coatings around tablets and capsules while also helping regulate drug release in sustained-release medications.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose functions as a thickener, viscosity modifier, stabilizer, and texture enhancer.
CAS Number: 9004-69-7
Alternative CAS Number: 9004-59-5
EC / EINECS Number: Not clearly assigned in many databases
Chemical formula: [C6H7O2(OH)x(OCH3)y(OC2H5)z]n, z = 0.57-0.8, y = 0.2-0.4, x = 3-(x+y)
Molar mass: 30000-40000 g/mol
SYNONYMS:
Methylethylcellulose, Methyl Ethyl Cellulose, Ethyl Methyl Ether of Cellulose, MEC, INS No. 465, Ethylmethylcellulose, Methyl ethyl cellulose, Ethyl methyl ether of cellulose, E465, INS No. 465, celacol EM, cellocol EM, cellofas A, cellofas WLD, cellulose ethyl methyl ether, cellulose ethylmethyl ether, cellulose methyl ethyl ether, cellulose, ethyl methyl ether, edifas A, ethyl methyl cellulose, ethylmethyl cellulose, methylethyl cellulose, methylethylcellulose
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is an additive substance mainly used as a thickening agent, stabilizer and emulsifier in the food industry.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is a derivative of cellulose that is soluble in water.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose and its functions in foods
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose plays a key role in food production, enabling it to improve the texture, stability and quality of many products.
Its ability to thicken, stabilize and emulsify makes E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose an indispensable ingredient in many processed foods.
Thanks to E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose's safe use, manufacturers can provide consumers with products with the desired texture and appearance without exposing them to health risks.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is a food additive belonging to the category of thickeners, stabilizers, and emulsifiers.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is a chemically modified cellulose ether, obtained from natural cellulose present in plant cell walls.
Industrially, cellulose is treated with sodium hydroxide and then reacted with methyl chloride and ethylene oxide to introduce methyl and ethyl groups into the molecule.
The resulting product is a white or slightly yellowish powder, odorless and tasteless, soluble in cold water forming viscous and stable solutions.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose's main function is to thicken, gel, and stabilize foods, improving texture and preventing phase separation.
The history of E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose's use as an additive dates back to the mid-20th century, and it was approved in the European Union after evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).
The World Health Organization (WHO) also supports its safety.
Regarding labeling, it must appear as 'E465' or 'E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose' in the ingredient list.
Globally, E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is considered a safe additive for the general population within the established limits.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is produced through controlled etherification of cellulose using methylating and ethylating agents under alkaline conditions.
The degree of substitution strongly affects E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose's viscosity, solubility, and film-forming behavior.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose structure consists of substituted anhydroglucose units derived from cellulose.
Different substitution ratios of methoxy and ethoxy groups determine final performance characteristics.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is part of the broader cellulose ether family that includes:
Methyl cellulose (E461)
Ethyl cellulose (E462)
Hydroxypropyl cellulose (E463)
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (E464)
Carboxymethyl cellulose (E466)
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is semisynthetic food additive with emulsifying, stabilizing, thickening and foaming role, obtained from cellulose.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is insoluble and indigestible, having a detoxifying role for the digestive tract.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is an insoluble 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.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is a thickener, vegetable gum, foaming agent and emulsifier.
Chemically, E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is a derivative of cellulose with ethyl and methyl groups attached by ether linkages.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose can be prepared by treatment of cellulose with dimethyl sulfate and ethyl chloride in the presence of an alkali.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is cellulose obtained directly from strains of fibrous plant material and partially etherified with methyl and ethyl groups
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is a chemically modified cellulose derivative produced from natural plant cellulose.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is partially etherified with both methyl and ethyl groups, which gives it improved thickening, stabilizing, emulsifying, and film-forming properties.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose belongs to the group of cellulose ethers widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is generally supplied as a white to slightly yellowish fibrous or granular powder.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is odorless, tasteless, slightly hygroscopic, and capable of forming viscous colloidal dispersions in water.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is considered a non-ionic polymer.
This characteristic gives E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose good compatibility with many salts, surfactants, and formulation ingredients.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose also provides stability over a relatively wide pH range and helps improve texture, viscosity, moisture retention, and product consistency.
USES and APPLICATIONS of E465 ETHYL METHYL CELLULOSE:
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is an odorless, white powder with a viscous consistency that is used to improve the texture and stability of many food products.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial industries because of its thickening, stabilizing, emulsifying, binding, and film-forming properties.
In the food industry, E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is used to improve texture, consistency, viscosity, and mouthfeel in products such as sauces, gravies, salad dressings, dairy desserts, whipped toppings, bakery fillings, frozen foods, instant foods, and beverage emulsions.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose helps stabilize oil and water mixtures, prevents ingredient separation, and improves freeze-thaw stability by reducing ice crystal formation in frozen products.
In pharmaceutical applications, E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is commonly used as a tablet binder, coating agent, controlled-release polymer, and stabilizer in suspensions and topical formulations.
Its film-forming capability allows E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose to create protective coatings around tablets and capsules while also helping regulate drug release in sustained-release medications.
In cosmetic and personal care products, E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose functions as a thickener, viscosity modifier, stabilizer, and texture enhancer.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is found in creams, lotions, shampoos, gels, toothpaste, hair styling products, and facial cleansers where it improves spreadability, consistency, and formulation stability.
In industrial applications, E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is used in paints, coatings, adhesives, textile processing, ceramic products, inks, and construction materials.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose acts as a binder, water-retention agent, protective colloid, and rheology modifier, helping improve processing performance, product uniformity, coating quality, and stability.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose's non-ionic nature also provides good compatibility with many salts, surfactants, and other formulation ingredients across a wide pH range.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is also used as a substance-support for other food additives.
Because of its multifunctional behavior, E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is commonly used as a stabilizer, thickener, binder, protective colloid, foaming agent, and emulsifier.
-Food Industry uses of E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose:
In food products, E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is mainly used as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, and texture modifier.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose helps maintain product consistency and improves mouthfeel.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose may be used in: Sauces and gravies, Ice cream, Dairy desserts, Processed potato products, Bakery fillings, Instant foods, Frozen foods, Salad dressings, Whipped toppings, Beverage emulsions.
In frozen products, E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose helps reduce ice crystal formation and improves freeze-thaw stability.
In emulsified foods, E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose helps maintain uniform distribution of oil and water phases.
-E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is widely used in the food industry for various purposes, such as:
Production of sauces and salad dressings.
Confectionery products, such as jellies and puddings.
Dairy products, including yogurts and some types of ice cream.
Spreads, such as margarines and baking creams.
Thickening and stabilizing agents in fruit preparations.
-Pharmaceutical Industry uses of E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose:
In pharmaceutical formulations, E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is used as: Tablet binder, Controlled-release agent, Film coating polymer, Stabilizer in suspensions, Thickener in topical preparations.
Its film-forming ability allows E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose to produce protective coatings around tablets and capsules.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is also used to modify drug release rates in sustained-release formulations.
-Cosmetic Industry uses of E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose:
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is used in cosmetic and personal care products because of its thickening and stabilizing properties.
Applications of E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose include: Creams, Lotions, Shampoos, Hair styling products, Toothpaste, Facial cleansers, Cosmetic gels.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose improves viscosity, texture, spreadability, and formulation stability.
-Industrial Applications of E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose:
In industrial products, E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose can function as: Binder, Thickener, Protective colloid, Coating additive, Water retention agent.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose may be used in: Paints, Adhesives, Textile processing, Ceramic formulations, Printing inks, Construction materials.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose's rheological behavior helps improve processing characteristics and product uniformity.
PROPERTIES of E465 ETHYL METHYL CELLULOSE:
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose has several important properties that make it useful as a food additive:
Thickening:
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose can increase the viscosity and density of liquids, which is useful in making sauces, jellies and other gel-like products.
Stabilization:
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose helps maintain uniformity and prevent mixtures from unraveling in food products.
Emulsification:
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose can help stabilize emulsions, such as in mayonnaise, salad dressings and other sauces.
Safety:
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is a substance that is safe to use and well tolerated by the body.
CHARACTERISTICS and FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES of E465 ETHYL METHYL CELLULOSE:
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose combines the characteristics of both methyl cellulose and ethyl cellulose.
The methyl groups improve water dispersibility and hydration, while the ethyl groups contribute hydrophobicity and film-forming properties.
This balance allows E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose to function as a versatile rheology modifier and stabilizer in many formulations.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose can improve mouthfeel in foods, stabilize emulsions, reduce phase separation, and enhance coating performance in pharmaceutical and industrial products.
One of the important characteristics of E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose is its ability to produce stable colloidal systems.
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose also improves texture uniformity and can help control crystal growth in frozen foods and emulsified products.
Because it is non-ionic, E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose remains relatively stable across a broad pH range and is less sensitive to electrolytes compared with ionic hydrocolloids.
BENEFITS of E465 ETHYL METHYL CELLULOSE:
Improves texture and consistency
Enhances emulsion stability
Provides thickening action
Helps moisture retention
Stabilizes suspensions and dispersions
Improves freeze-thaw stability
Produces smooth mouthfeel
Forms flexible films and coatings
Compatible with many formulation systems
Non-ionic and relatively pH stable
Derived from plant cellulose sources
Effective at relatively low concentrations
PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of E465 ETHYL METHYL CELLULOSE:
Chemical Name: Ethyl Methyl Cellulose
E Number: E465
CAS Number: 9004-69-7
Alternative CAS Number: 9004-59-5
EC / EINECS Number: Not clearly assigned in many databases
Molecular Formula: [C6H7O2(OH)x(OCH3)y(OC2H5)z]n
Molecular Weight: Approximately 30,000 – 40,000 g/mol
Abbreviation: MEC
Appearance: White, slightly yellowish, or greyish powder
Odor: Odorless
Taste: Tasteless
Physical Form: Granular or fibrous powder
Hygroscopicity: Slightly hygroscopic
Solubility in Water: Swells and forms viscous colloidal dispersions
Solubility in Ethanol: Soluble
Solubility in Ether: Insoluble
Solubility in Acetone: Generally insoluble
pH Range: Approximately 5.0 – 8.0 in 1% dispersion
Viscosity: Produces medium to high viscosity solutions
Thermal Stability: Stable under normal processing conditions
Ionic Character: Non-ionic polymer
Film Forming Ability: Excellent
Surface Activity: Moderate emulsifying and stabilizing effect
Moisture Retention: Good water retention capability
Foaming Ability: Can act as a foaming agent
Compatibility: Compatible with many gums, salts, surfactants, and polymers
Decomposition: Burns at high temperatures like other cellulose derivatives
Density: Varies depending on substitution and grade
Color Stability: Relatively stable under normal storage conditions
Chemical formula: [C6H7O2(OH)x(OCH3)y(OC2H5)z]n, z = 0.57-0.8, y = 0.2-0.4, x = 3-(x+y)
Molar mass: 30000-40000 g/mol
FIRST AID MEASURES of E465 ETHYL METHYL 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 E465 ETHYL METHYL 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 E465 ETHYL METHYL 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 E465 ETHYL METHYL 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 E465 ETHYL METHYL CELLULOSE:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.
Dry.
STABILITY and REACTIVITY of E465 ETHYL METHYL CELLULOSE:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available
