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E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is extensively used in the food industry as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, moisture-retention agent, and texture modifier.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used in food science as a viscosity modifier or thickener, and to stabilize emulsions in various products including ice cream.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used primarily because it has high viscosity, is non-toxic, and is hypoallergenic.
CAS Number: 9004-32-4
EC number: 618-378-6
MDL number: MFCD00081472
E number: E466 (thickeners, ...)
Molecular Formula: C₆H₇O₂(OR₁)(OR₂)(OR₃), where R₁, R₂, and R₃ can be H, CH₂COONa, or CH₂COOH
[C₆H₇O₂(OH)ₓ(OCH₂COONa)ᵧ]n, where n ≥ 4, x = 1.50-2.80, y = 0.20–1.50, and x + y = 3.0.
Molecular Weight: approximately 17,000 g/mol, with the degree of polymerization being approximately 100 or higher
Commercial grades can have molecular weights ranging from 50,000 to 800,000 g/mol
SYNONYMS:
CMC, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, Cellulose gum, Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt, Sodium cellulose glycolate, Cellulose methyl ether, Tylose C, Blanose, Cellulose gum, CMC, Sodium CMC, Sodium salt of a carboxymethyl ether of cellulose, NaCMC, Carboxymethylcellulose, carmellose, E466, Carboxymethyl cellulose, CMC-Na, cellulose gum, carmellose sodium, b10, carbo, Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose sodium, cmc2, Color Speckles, Cellex, Carboxymethylcellulose, carmellose, E466, Carboxymethylcellulose sodium, CMC gum, NaCMC, Sodium CMC, CMC, NaCMC, Sodium CMC, Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, CMC-Na, Cellulose Gum, CMC Sodium, E466, CMC Cellulose, Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose CMC, CMC Thickener, CMC Carboxy Methyl Cellulose, thickener 466, Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Cellulose Gum, CMC, Sodium CMC, Na-CMC, Carmellose Sodium, Sodium Cellulose Glycolate, Cellulose Glycolic Acid Sodium Salt, Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Salt, Tylose Sodium, Celluvisc, Blanose, Finnfix, Aquasorb, SCMC, CMC Sodium Salt, Sodium Cellulose Ether, Cellulose Carboxymethyl Ether, E466
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is a water-soluble cellulose derivative widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, detergent, textile, oil drilling, and paper industries.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is produced by chemically modifying natural cellulose obtained from wood pulp or cotton linters through reaction with chloroacetic acid under alkaline conditions.
The introduction of carboxymethyl groups into E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose structure increases water solubility, viscosity, and stabilizing performance.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is one of the most important hydrocolloids used in industrial formulations because of its thickening, binding, emulsifying, film-forming, suspending, moisture-retaining, and stabilizing properties.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose forms viscous colloidal solutions in water and is valued for its non-toxic, biodegradable, odorless, and tasteless nature.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is a highly valued ingredient in the medical industry due to its versatility, safety, and functional properties.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose's multifunctional properties make it an essential ingredient in cosmetics, improving product performance and user experience.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose, is a water-soluble polymer made from cellulose, a plant-based substance found in the cell walls of plants.
When treated with chemicals, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose can be turned into a thickening agent that has multiple uses in the food industry.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose’s often added to processed foods like ice cream, baked goods, salad dressings, dairy products, and sauces, to improve texture and shelf life.
On the surface, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose might sound harmless.
After all, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is naturally found in plants, and many people assume that synthetic derivatives of natural substances are safe.
However, the way our body responds to processed versions of these compounds can be quite different from their natural form.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is a semi-synthetic cellulose derivative often sold as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is slightly hygroscopic white or slightly yellowish or greyish odourless and tasteless, granular or fibrous powder
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose's water solubility allows for less toxic and costly processing than with non-water-soluble binders, like the traditional polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which requires toxic n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) for processing.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is registered as E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose or E469 (when it is enzymatically hydrolyzed).
E466 Carboxy methyl celluloseis a colorless amorphous substance, a weak acid, and chemically a high-molecular ionic electrolyte.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose was first synthesized in the early 20th century.
In 1918, German chemist Fritz Sturmann patented a process for producing E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose.
The idea was to chemically modify natural cellulose by introducing carboxymethyl groups, significantly improving E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose's solubility and functional properties.
Since then, the production technology has been continuously improved, and E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose has found widespread application in various industries, from textiles to food and pharmaceuticals.
Today, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is produced by reacting monochloroacetic acid with alkyl cellulose, which is obtained from cellulose and caustic soda.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose dissolves well in water, has no odor, and is non-toxic.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is resistant to degradation under bright light and is insoluble in vegetable and animal fats.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is a water-soluble polymer derived from natural cellulose found in wood pulp or cotton fibers.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose, also known as cellulose gum, is a cellulose derivative with carboxymethyl groups attached to some of the hydroxyl groups of its glucopyranose monomers.
Essentially, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose’s a modified form of cellulose that becomes water-soluble.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is a water-soluble polymer obtained by chemically modifying natural cellulose with carboxymethyl groups.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is a water-soluble cellulose derivative derived from natural cellulose.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is produced by chemically modifying cellulose through the introduction of carboxymethyl groups.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is water-soluble, forming a viscous and clear solution.
This property makes E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose useful in various applications.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose, or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (sodium E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose), is a multi-functional ingredient that can be used as a thickener, binder, emulsifier and stabilizer in food with the European food additive number E466.
Together with xanthan gum, they’re the most used and common thickener among others in food applications.
Commonly we call E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose (used in food) is its salt, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose or sodium E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose instead of carboxymethyl cellulose itself.
Due to the poor water solubility of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose, it is usually made into its sodium salt in order to be better use it.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is a water-soluble cellulose ether obtained by chemical modification from natural cellulose such as cotton linter or wood pulp.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is the partial sodium salt of a carboxymethyl ether of cellulose, the cellulose being obtained directly from strains of fibrous plant material.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is now a kind of cellulose with the widest range of application and the maximum usage amount.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is the sodium salt of cellulous carboxymethyl ether and belongs to anionic cellulose ethers, in shape of white or light yellow powder.
There are more and more approaches to application of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose in food production and different properties play different roles.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose, also known as cellulose gum, is a water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is produced through the chemical modification of cellulose, where carboxymethyl groups (-CH2COONa) are introduced onto the cellulose backbone.
The CAS number for E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is 9004-32-4.
As a food additive, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose serves various functions such as thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose or cellulose gum is a cellulose derivative with carboxymethyl groups (-CH2-COOH) bound to some of the hydroxyl groups of the glucopyranose monomers that make up the cellulose backbone.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is often used as its sodium salt, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is synthesized by the alkali-catalyzed reaction of cellulose with chloroacetic acid.
The polar (organic acid) carboxyl groups render the cellulose soluble and chemically reactive.
The functional properties of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose depend on the degree of substitution of the cellulose structure (i.e., how many of the hydroxyl groups have taken part in the substitution reaction), as well as the chain length of the cellulose backbone structure and the degree of clustering of the carboxymethyl substituents.
USES and APPLICATIONS of E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE:
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is extensively used in the food industry as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, moisture-retention agent, and texture modifier.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used in food science as a viscosity modifier or thickener, and to stabilize emulsions in various products including ice cream.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is also a constituent of many non-food products, such as K-Y Jelly, toothpaste, laxatives, diet pills, water-based paints, detergents, textile sizing and various paper products.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used primarily because it has high viscosity, is non-toxic, and is hypoallergenic.
In laundry detergents E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used as a soil suspension polymer designed to deposit onto cotton and other cellulosic fabrics creating a negatively charged barrier to soils in the wash solution.
Now, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose has been widely used in various food industries such as cold drinks, frozen food, Dairy Products and fruit juice.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose food grade can compound with xanthan gum and guar gum to improve application performance as well as to sharply reduce production cost.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose has good performance in acid resistance and stability.
Especially in drinks, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose has such properties as preventing drinks from precipitation and layering, improving the taste and enhancing heat resistance.
In our daily lives, from food to cosmetics, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is ubiquitous.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose not only plays a crucial role in various industries.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is widely utilized in food products including baked goods, dairy products, sauces, and beverages to improve texture, consistency, and shelf-life.
Additionally, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose finds applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial processes due to its versatile properties.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used as a lubricant in non-volatile eye drops (artificial tears).
Sometimes it is methyl cellulose (MC) which is used, but its non-polar methyl groups (-CH3) do not add any solubility or chemical reactivity to the base cellulose.
Following the initial reaction the resultant mixture produces approximately 60% E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose plus 40% salts (sodium chloride and sodium glycolate).
This product is the so-called Technical E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose which is used in detergents.
A further purification process is used to remove these salts to produce pure E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose which is used for food, pharmaceutical and dentifrice (toothpaste) applications.
An intermediate "semi-purified" grade is also produced, typically used in paper applications.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is also used in pharmaceuticals as a thickening agent.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is also used in the oil drilling industry as an ingredient of drilling mud, where it acts as a viscosity modifier and water retention agent.
Poly-anionic cellulose or PAC is derived from cellulose and is also used in oilfield practice.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is definitely a Carboxylic Acid, where PAC is Ether.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose and PAC, although they are manufactured from same raw materials (cellulose, amount and type of materials used leads different final products.
The first and the leading difference between E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose and PAC exist in radicalization step.
CarboxyMethyl Cellulose (E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose) is both chemically and physically distinguished from Polyanionic Cellulose.
Insoluble microgranular E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used as a cation-exchange resin in ion-exchange chromatography for purification of Proteins.
Presumably the level of derivatization is much lower so that the solubility properties of microgranular cellulose are retained while adding sufficient negative charged carboxylate groups to bind positively charged proteins.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is also used in ice packs to form a eutectic mixture resulting in a lower freezing point and therefore more cooling capacity than ice.
Aqueous solutions E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose have also been used to disperse carbon nanotubes.
It is thought that the long E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose molecules wrap around the nanotubes, allowing them to be dispersed in water.
EnzymologyE466 Carboxy methyl cellulose has also been used extensively to characterize enzyme activity from endoglucanases (part of cellulase complex).
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is a highly specific substrate for endo-acting cellulases as its structure has been engineered to decrystallize cellulose and create amorphous sites that are ideal for endglucanase action.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is desirable because the catalysis product (glucose) is easily measured using a reducing sugar assay such as 3,5-Dinitrosalicylic acid.
Using E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose in enzyme assays is especially important in regard to screening for cellulase enzymes that are needed for more efficient cellulosic ethanol conversion.
However, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose has also been misused in earlier work with cellulase enzymes as many had associated whole cellulase activity with E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose hydrolysis.
As the mechanism of cellulose depolymerization has become more understood, it should be noted that exo-cellulases are dominant in the degradation of crystalline (e.g. Avicel) and not soluble (e.g. E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose) cellulose.
In ice cream and frozen desserts, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose prevents ice crystal formation and improves smoothness.
In cosmetics and personal care products, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose functions as a rheology modifier, thickener, film former, and stabilizer.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is frequently used in toothpaste, shampoos, lotions, creams, gels, facial cleansers, and liquid soaps.
In toothpaste formulations, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose helps maintain smooth consistency and prevents separation of ingredients.
In the detergent industry, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose acts as an anti-redeposition agent that prevents dirt particles from reattaching to fabrics during washing.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose creates a negatively charged protective layer on textile fibers, especially cotton fabrics.
In oil drilling operations, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used in drilling muds as a viscosity modifier, fluid-loss controller, and water-retention agent.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose improves drilling efficiency and stabilizes borehole walls.
In the paper industry, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose improves paper strength, printability, coating performance, and water resistance.
In textile manufacturing, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used as a sizing agent and thickener for printing pastes.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is also utilized in adhesives, paints, ceramics, batteries, welding electrodes, mining operations, agricultural chemicals, and construction materials because of its excellent thickening and binding capabilities.
In sauces, gravies, dressings, and dairy products, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose increases viscosity and stabilizes emulsions.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is commonly added to bakery products to improve texture, shelf life, and moisture retention.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose also has applications in many other sectors.
Pharmaceutical Formulations: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose sodium acts as a thickening agent and stabilizer in liquid medications like syrups and oral suspensions.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose ensures the right consistency and uniform distribution of active ingredients.
Controlled Drug Release: In the development of controlled-release drug delivery systems, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose E466 is utilized in matrix tablets and hydrogels.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose effectively controls the release rate of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
This ensures a steady and prolonged therapeutic effect.
Eye Drops: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose (E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose) is a key ingredient in artificial tears and other ophthalmic solutions.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose relieves dryness and irritation by forming a protective, lubricating film over the eye surface.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose's viscosity-enhancing properties ensure prolonged contact time with the eye, enhancing its effectiveness in providing relief.
Tablet and Capsule Manufacturing: In solid dosage forms, sodium E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose serves as a binder, aiding tablets in maintaining their shape.
Additionally, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose acts as a disintegrant, facilitating the breakdown of tablets in the digestive tract to ensure efficient release of active ingredients.
Personal Care Medical Products: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose sodium is included in medical toothpaste and mouthwashes to provide the right consistency and stability.
This enhances the effectiveness and user experience of these products.
In the textile industry, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used as a sizing agent to improve the weaving performance of yarns.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is incredibly versatile, and its uses span across multiple sectors.
Food & Beverage: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose serves as a stabilizer and thickener in ice cream, baked goods, dairy products, and gluten-free foods.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose also improves shelf life and moisture retention.
Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose acts as a tablet binder, a viscosity modifier for syrups, and a stabilizer in lotions and creams.
Other Industries: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose functions as an anti-redeposition agent in laundry detergents, a fluid controller in oil drilling, and an adhesive aid in papermaking
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is the partial sodium salt of a carboxymethyl ether of cellulose, the cellulose being obtained directly from strains of fibrous plant material
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is a substance used as a thickening agent in food.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used in the food industry as a viscosity modifier or thickener and to stabilize emulsions in various products, including ice cream.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is a semisynthetic food additive with emulsifying, stabilizing and thickening role, obtained from cellulose.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used as a substance-support for other food additives.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose ferments in the intestine and in too large amounts can cause bloating, constipation, diarrhea.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose has a detoxifying role for the digestive tract and helps lower the levels of cholesterol in blood.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is a water soluble 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.
In the oil and gas industry, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used as a drilling fluid additive to control the viscosity and filtration properties of drilling mud.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is widely used across industries as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is also used as a thickening agent, for example, in the oil-drilling industry as an ingredient of drilling mud, where it acts as a viscosity modifier and water retention agent.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is sometimes used as an electrode binder in advanced battery applications (i.e. lithium ion batteries), especially with graphite anodes.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is often used in conjunction with styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) for electrodes requiring extra flexibility, e.g. for use with silicon-containing anodes.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is also used in ice packs to form a eutectic mixture resulting in a lower freezing point, and therefore more cooling capacity than ice.
Aqueous solutions of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose have also been used to disperse carbon nanotubes, where the long E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose molecules are thought to wrap around the nanotubes, allowing them to be dispersed in water.
In conservation-restoration, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used as an adhesive or fixative.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used in applications ranging from food production to medical treatments.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is commonly used as a viscosity modifier or thickener and to stabilize emulsions in both food and non-food products.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used primarily because it has high viscosity, is nontoxic, and is generally considered to be hypoallergenic, as the major source fiber is either softwood pulp or cotton linter.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is also used in non-food products which include products such as toothpaste, laxatives, diet pills, water-based paints, detergents, textile sizing, reusable heat packs, various paper products, filtration materials, synthetic membranes, wound healing applications, and also in leather crafting to help burnish edges.
In the food industry, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is primarily used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in the form of the sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose.
In the paper industry, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used as a wet additive to improve the strength and retention of paper.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used as a viscosity modifier or thickener and to stabilize emulsions in various products, including ice cream, mayonnaise, and beverages.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is also used extensively in gluten-free and reduced-fat food products.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose injections have also been used in food fraud, to fraudulently increase the weight and visual appeal of shrimp and prawns so as to short-weight customers.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose's variable viscosity (high while cold, and low while hot) makes it useful in the preparation of cold foods and textures in beverages and edible gels.
With a degree of substitution (DS) around 1.0, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose can prevent dehydration and shrinkage of gelatin while also contributing to a more airy structure.
In some foods, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose can be used to control oil and moisture content.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used to achieve tartrate or cold stability in wine, which can prevent excess energy usage while chilling wine in warm climates.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is more stable than metatartaric acid and inhibits tartrate crystal nucleation and growth.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose powder is widely used in the ice cream industry to make ice creams without the need for churning or extremely low temperatures.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used in baking breads and cakes.
The use of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose gives the loaf an improved quality (e.g., texture) at a reduced cost by reducing the need for fat.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is also used as an emulsifier in sweet biscuits.
Dispersing fat uniformly in the dough improves the release of the dough from the molds and cutters, achieving well-shaped biscuits without any distorted edges.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose can also help to reduce the amount of egg yolk or fat used in making the biscuits.
The use of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose in candy preparation ensures smooth dispersion in flavor oils and improves texture and quality.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used in chewing gums, margarine, and peanut butter as an emulsifier.
In the food industry, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is a popular food additive used to enhance texture, stability, and shelf life.
Thickening and Stabilizing Agent: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose increases viscosity and prevents ingredient separation.
Water Retention Agent: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose helps maintain moisture, improving freshness and extending shelf life.
Emulsifier: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose assists in blending immiscible ingredients like oil and water, ensuring a smooth, consistent product.
Anti-Crystallization Agent: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose prevents large ice crystal formation in frozen desserts, leading to a smoother texture.
Dough Improver: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose enhances dough texture, elasticity, and water-holding capacity, particularly in gluten-free baking.
In the cosmetics and personal care industry, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is a key ingredient that enhances product texture, stability, and performance.
In gluten-free products, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose helps mimic the structure and elasticity normally provided by gluten.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used across a wide range of foods and beverages, especially where consistency and stability are crucial:
Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose prevents large ice crystals from forming, ensuring a creamy texture.
Dairy and Non-Dairy Drinks: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose improves mouthfeel and suspension in milkshakes, plant-based milks, and protein beverages.
Sauces and Dressings: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose provides uniform thickness and keeps spices or solids evenly distributed.
Bakery Fillings and Pastries: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose helps retain moisture and improve the shelf life of baked goods.
Juices and Cloudy Drinks: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose keeps fruit pulp evenly suspended and prevents sedimentation.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose’s often used in its sodium salt form, called sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.
In beverages and instant drink powders, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose acts as a suspension stabilizer, preventing sedimentation of insoluble particles.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is also widely used in confectionery products, jellies, puddings, syrups, and processed foods to maintain consistency and improve product stability during storage.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is widely used in the food industry for its ability to thicken, stabilize, bind, and emulsify various food and beverage products.
In pharmaceuticals, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used as a tablet binder, thickening agent, controlled-release excipient, suspending agent, and stabilizer.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is commonly found in syrups, eye drops, artificial tears, wound dressings, laxatives, and oral suspensions.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is especially important in ophthalmic preparations because of its lubricating and moisture-retaining properties.
Widely used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier , E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose plays a significant role in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial products.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is often used as a thickening agent.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose increases the viscosity of solutions, providing the desired texture in products such as food items, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.
Personal Care Products: Viscosity Modifier: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used in the formulation of personal care products such as lotions, creams, and shampoos to adjust viscosity.
Beverages: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose stabilizes the particles and improve the mouthfeel.
Bakery: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose improves volume and texture, retain moisture and prolong shelf life.
Dessert: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose retains fluids in hydrocolloid dressings, improve mouthfeel and reduce syneresis.
Dairy: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used to control ice crystal growth in ice cream, prevent syneresis and improve texture.
Meat: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used water binding and improve yield.
Cosmetics: Per the “European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients”, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose acts as a binding, emulsion stabilising, film forming, masking and viscosity controlling agent in cosmetic and personal care products.
Toothpaste: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose's role in toothpaste is to enable the liquid and solid raw material mix completely and provide the toothpaste a proper viscosity, brightness and smoothness in molding and flowing.
Other uses of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose such as in oil drilling, detergent, paper making, textile, mining, ceramic and so on.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose improves viscosity and stabilizes emulsions in gluten-free and reduced fat products.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose distributes the fat phase more evenly in food products, making it easier for baked goods to release from the mold and improving dough shaping in cookies, for example.
-Oil Drilling
As a thickening agent, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose can increase the viscosity of drilling fluids and form a network structure in the mud, thereby enhancing their suspension capacity.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose can effectively protect the wellbore and manage the penetration and loss of moisture in the drilling fluid.
Ultra-high viscosity E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose can be used in fracturing fluids, primarily to carry fillers into oil wells.
-Uses of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose In Food:
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is extensively utilized in the food industry due to its multifunctional properties.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose serves as a thickening agent in sauces, soups, and dairy products, enhancing their texture and mouthfeel.
As a stabilizer, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose prevents ingredient separation in emulsions such as salad dressings and beverages.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is also employed as a film-forming agent in candy and baked goods coatings, improving appearance and extending shelf life.
In low-fat and reduced-fat foods, sodium E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose acts as a fat replacer, providing a texture and mouthfeel similar to that of fats.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is crucial in frozen desserts like ice cream, where it prevents ice crystal formation and enhances creaminess.
In beverages and condiments, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose cellulose helps maintain the suspension of solid particles, ensuring consistent quality.
Furthermore, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose retains moisture in baked goods and processed meats, enhancing texture and extending shelf life.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is also an essential ingredient in gluten-free baking, where it replaces gluten to improve the structure and texture of baked products.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used in food science as a viscosity modifier or thickener, and to stabilize emulsions in various products including ice cream.
-Food industry uses of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose:
In the food industry, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose E466 is used as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, and binder.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose can improve the texture and stability of food products such as ice cream, yogurt, salad dressings, and baked goods.
For example, in ice cream, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose can make the ice cream smoother and creamier by preventing the formation of ice crystals.
-Food uses of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose:
The food-grade of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is primarily used as a thickener in our daily food.
In the taste, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose imparts the food a thickening and creamier characteristics, making it more appealing to consumers compared with that without it.
Generally, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose functions as a thickening, suspending, emulsifying, stabilizing and film-forming agent in many foods such as in beverages, bakery, dairy, dessert products and meat products.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose can also replace some other thickeners, like guar gum, gelatin, agar, sodium alginate and pectin in some food applications.
The application of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is various according to varieties of viscosities and mesh sizes.
-Food Industry uses of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose:
Thickening Agent: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used to increase the viscosity of liquids, providing a desired texture in products like sauces, dressings, and gravies.
Stabilizer: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose prevents separation and maintains the homogeneity of products like salad dressings and dairy-based beverages.
Suspension Agent: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose keeps solid particles suspended in liquids, useful in products like fruit juices with pulp.
Moisture Retention: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose enhances the freshness and moisture retention in baked goods such as bread, cakes, and pastries.
-Pharmaceuticals use of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose:
Tablet Coating: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used in pharmaceutical tablet coatings to provide a protective layer and control the release of active ingredients.
Laxative: In some formulations, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose E466 is used as a mild laxative.
-Pharmaceutical industry uses of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose:
In the pharmaceutical industry, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used as a binder in tablets, a suspending agent in liquid medicines, and a lubricant in capsule formulations.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose can improve the physical properties of drugs, such as dissolution rate and stability.
For example, as a binder in tablets, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose helps hold the active ingredients and excipients together and ensures the integrity of the tablet during production and storage.
-Sodium E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose Uses In Cosmetics
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is widely used in cosmetics for its versatile properties.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose serves as a thickening agent, stabilizer, film former, suspension agent, binding agent, and moisture retainer in cosmetics.
Thickening Agent: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose increases the viscosity of lotions, creams, and gels, providing a smooth texture.
Stabilizer: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose maintains uniform distribution of ingredients, preventing separation and extending shelf life.
Film Forming Agent: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose forms a protective film on skin or hair, enhancing product performance and feel, as in facial masks and hair gels.
Moisture Retention: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is excellent water-binding properties help retain moisture in moisturizers and hydrating serums.
Improved Texture and Feel: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose enhances the smoothness and spreadability of makeup products and cleansers.
Binding Agent: E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose ensures ingredients stick together and maintain product integrity, useful in powder products and tablets.
-Medical applications of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose:
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is also used in numerous medical applications.
Some examples include:
Device for epistaxis (nose bleeding).
A poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) balloon is covered by E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose knitted fabric reinforced by nylon.
The device is soaked in water to form a gel, which is inserted into the nose of the patient and inflated.
The combination of the inflated balloon and the therapeutic effect of the E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose stops the bleeding.
Fabric used as a dressing following ear, nose, and throat surgical procedures.
Water is added to form a gel, and this gel is inserted into the sinus cavity following surgery.
In ophthalmology, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used as a lubricating agent in artificial tears solutions for the treatment of dry eyes.
In veterinary medicine, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used in abdominal surgeries in large animals, particularly horses, to prevent the formation of bowel adhesions.
-Research applications of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose:
Insoluble E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose (water-insoluble) can be used in the purification of proteins, particularly in the form of charged filtration membranes or as granules in cation-exchange resins for ion-exchange chromatography.
Its low solubility is a result of a lower DS value (the number of carboxymethyl groups per anhydroglucose unit in the cellulose chain) compared to soluble E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose.
Insoluble E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose offers physical properties similar to insoluble cellulose, while the negatively charged carboxylate groups allow it to bind to positively charged proteins.
Insoluble E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose can also be chemically cross-linked to enhance the mechanical strength of the material
Moreover, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose has been used extensively to characterize enzyme activity from endoglucanases (part of the cellulase complex); it is a highly specific substrate for endo-acting cellulases, as its structure has been engineered to decrystallize cellulose and create amorphous sites that are ideal for endoglucanase action.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is desirable because the catalysis product (glucose) is easily measured using a reducing sugar assay, such as 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid.
Using E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose in enzyme assays is especially important in screening for cellulase enzymes that are needed for more efficient cellulosic ethanol conversion.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose was misused in early work with cellulase enzymes, as many had associated whole cellulase activity with CMC hydrolysis.
As the mechanism of cellulose depolymerization became better understood, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose became clear that exo-cellulases are dominant in the degradation of crystalline (e.g. Avicel) and not soluble (e.g. CMC) cellulose
-Detergent uses of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose:
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is a common ingredient in cleaning products because of its thickening and stabilizing properties and nontoxic composition.
In detergent and cleaning products, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose can be used to enhance texture and assist in the suspension of dirt and grime in the cleaning product.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose's adjustable viscosity can be used to standardize the textures of the products, especially when used along with other chemicals.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose helps with the removal of grease and aids in the creation of small bubbles in the soap.
This, along with E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose's ability to suspend dirt in mixtures, can make soaps and other cleaning products more efficient.
-Textile uses of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose:
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used in textiles as a thickening agent in textile printing, constituting about 2-3% of printing pastes.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is also used in fabric finishing to affect the fabric's texture.
Additionally, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose serves as a binding agent in non-woven fabrics, contributing to the strength and stability of the material.
In sizing applications, about 1-3% of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used to protect yarns during weaving to reduce breakages.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose aids in thickening printing pastes, which makes the prints themselves more precise.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is also used to thicken dyes.
Additionally, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is an alternative to synthetic thickeners.
-Cosmetics uses of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose:
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is an ingredient used in over 50% of cosmetic products.
As a thickening agent, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used in formulations where viscosity needs to be precisely controlled.
In hair care, about 25% of shampoos and conditioners utilize E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose for its conditioning and detangling effects.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is also used in the makeup and toothpaste industries to control the products' texture.
Due to its ability to retain moisture, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is also used in skincare products.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose serves as a film-forming agent in approximately 10% of sunscreens.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose aids in pigment suspension and dispersion, binding other ingredients for even distribution.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose, when combined with Fatty Acid Ethanolamine or 2,2'-Iminodiethanol in a hair product, can form a thin film around the hair.
PROPERTIES of E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE:
Appearance
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is slightly hygroscopic white or slightly yellowish or greyish odourless and tasteless, granular or fibrous powder.
Degree of Substitution
Also called DS, it means the average number of hydroxyl groups substituted per glucopyranose unit.
A complete substitution would provide a DS of 3.
According to the EU, food grade cellulose gum DS value is 0.2-1.5 carboxymethyl groups (-CH2COOH) per anhydroglucose unit.
Solubility
In water
Yields a viscous colloidal solution with water.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose has good solubility in water and absorbs water easily.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose forms a colloidal solution when dissolved in cold or hot water.
The degree of substitution (DS) and viscosity are two main factors affecting E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose's water solubility.
Generally, the viscosity is between 25 mPa.s and 50,000 mPa.s,
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is only soluble in alkali when DS value < 0.3.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is water-soluble when the DS value more than 0.4 and it is easily be dissolved in water when DS approaches 0.7 and less water-soluble when DS above 1.
With the increasing of DS value, the transparency of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose's solution will be improved accordingly.
In organic solvents
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is insoluble in organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, copper, chloroform and benzene.
Viscosity
Generally, the viscosity of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose's solution is related to the polymerization degree of cellulose (DP), the solution concentration, pH value, temperature, degree of substitution, and etc.
DP
Depends on the origin of the cellulolytic material.
Concentration
The viscosity increases with the going up of the solution concentration.
PH
Generally, the viscosity of the 1% sodium E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose solution reaches the highest level at pH range from 6.5 to 9.0.
The viscosity does not change much in the PH value from 9.0-11.0.
The viscosity drops rapidly and begins to form CMC when PH<6.
And the process will be complete at pH ≌2.5.
The viscosity will decrease at PH>9, initially the decreasing process is slow with the increasing of PH, but will accelerate when PH>11.5.
Temperature
The viscosity decreased with temperature increasing but E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose will rise when cool down.
However, a permanent viscosity reduction will occur when the temperature rises to a certain level.
The higher the degree of substitution, the smaller the viscosity is affected by temperature.
KEY FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES of E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE:
Thickening agent:
Even at low concentrations, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose creates smooth and stable viscosity in liquids.
Water retention:
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose helps retain moisture, improving texture and preventing drying or syneresis in foods.
Emulsion stabilizer:
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose prevents separation of oil and water in dressings, sauces, and beverages.
Freeze–thaw stability:
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose controls ice crystal formation in frozen desserts like ice cream.
Film-forming ability:
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose enhances coating properties and improves product stability in bakery applications.
BENEFITS OF ADDITIVE E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE:
Food additive E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose has low acute toxicity.
Although E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used as an excipient in pharmaceutical preparations and food products, itself does not provide any direct health benefits.
WHAT IS E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE USED FOR?
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is often used in foods and beverages to make foods thick and creamy to attract the appetite of customers.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose thickens and stabilizes a lot of foods by retaining moisture, keeping oil and water phased ingredients don’t separate and produces a consistent texture and so on.
IS E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE VEGAN?
Generally, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is vegan as it produced from cellulose, the plant-based fiber commonly from wood chips and the manufacturing process without the use of animal matter or products derived from animal origin.
So E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is considered vegan.
IS E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE GLUTEN FREE?
Yes, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is typically gluten-free and people with celiacs can eat it.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is an ingredient commonly found in both gluten-free and gluten-containing food labels.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is produced from cellulose complying with the FDA’s definition of gluten free, that it does not contain wheat, rye, barley, or crossbreeds of these grains.
WHAT IS E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE MADE OF?
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is composed of anhydroglucose unit with average 0.2-1.5 carboxymethyl groups (-CH2COOH) on it.
HOW IS E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE MADE?
Generally, there are two steps in manufacturing process of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, alkalinization and etherification.
Step 1: Alkalinization
Disperse the raw material cellulose pulp in alkali solution (generally sodium hydroxide, 5–50%) to obtain alkali cellulose.
Cell-OH+NaOH →Cell•O-Na+ +H2O
Step 2: Etherification
Etherification of alkali cellulose with sodium monochloroacetate (up to 30%) in an alcohol-water medium.
The mixture of alkali cellulose and reagent is heated (50–75°C) and stirred during the process.
ClCH2COOH+NaOH→ClCH2COONa+H2O
Cell•O-Na+ +ClCH2COO- →Cell-OCH2COO-Na
The DS of the E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose can be controlled by the reaction conditions and use of organic solvents (such as isopropanol).
FUNCTION & CHARACTERISTICS of E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE:
Many different uses of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose, mainly as thickening agent, but also as filler, dietary fibre, anti clumping agent and emulsfier.
Similar as cellulose, but very soluble in water.
In laundry detergents, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is used as a soil suspension polymer designed to deposit onto cotton and other cellulosic fabrics, creating a negatively charged barrier to soils in the wash solution.
BENEFITS AND CHARACTERISTICS of E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE:
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose offers many industrial and functional advantages because of its versatility and stability.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose provides excellent thickening efficiency even at low concentrations, allowing manufacturers to reduce formulation costs while achieving desired texture and consistency.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose's water-binding ability improves moisture retention, prevents drying, and extends shelf life in many products.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose improves emulsion stability and prevents phase separation in complex systems.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose enhances mouthfeel and texture in reduced-fat and low-calorie foods by creating a creamy and smooth sensory profile.
Because E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is generally non-toxic, biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and derived from cellulose, it is considered suitable for a wide range of applications.
Another important characteristic is E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose's compatibility with salts, surfactants, proteins, and many hydrocolloids.
Different viscosity grades are available for specialized industrial requirements.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose solutions also show pseudoplastic flow behavior, meaning viscosity decreases during mixing or pumping and recovers afterward, which is highly valuable in industrial processing.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose's film-forming ability allows formation of protective coatings and barriers.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose also demonstrates excellent suspension properties, helping insoluble particles remain evenly distributed within liquids.
PREPARATION OF E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE:
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is synthesized by the alkali-catalyzed reaction of cellulose with chloroacetic acid.
The polar (organic acid) carboxyl groups render the cellulose soluble and chemically reactive.
Fabrics made of cellulose – e.g., cotton or viscose (rayon) – may also be converted into CMC.
Following the initial reaction, the resultant mixture produces approximately 60% CMC and 40% salts (sodium chloride and sodium glycolate).
This product, called technical E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose, is used in detergents.
An additional purification process is used to remove salts to produce pure E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose, which is used for food and pharmaceutical applications.
An intermediate 'semi-purified' grade is also produced, which is typically used in paper applications such as the restoration of archival documents.
STRUCTURE OF E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE:
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is a derivative of the regenerated cellulose [C6H10O5]n with hydroxy-acetic acid (hydroxyethanoic acid) CH2(OH)COOH or sodium monochloroacetate (Na[ClCH2COO]).
The E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose backbone consists of D-glucose residues linked by -1,4-linkage.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose has carboxymethyl groups (-CH2-COOH) bound to some of the hydroxyl groups of the glucopyranose monomers that make up the cellulose backbone.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is often used as its sodium salt, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.
PROPERTIES OF E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE:
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is a white or lightly yellow powder with no odor, flavor, or poisonous properties.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is hygroscopic and dissolves well in hot or cold water, forming a viscous solution.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is not soluble in organic solvents like methanol, ethanol, acetone, chloroform, and benzene.
The functional properties of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose depend on the degree of substitution of the cellulose structure (i.e., how many of the hydroxyl groups have been converted to carboxymethylene groups in the substitution reaction), as well as the chain length of the cellulose backbone structure and the degree of clustering of the carboxymethyl substituents.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is commonly used as a viscosity modifier or thickener and to stabilize emulsions in various products, both food and non-food-related.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is mainly used because it has a high viscosity, is nontoxic, and is generally considered to be hypoallergenic, as the major source fiber is either softwood pulp or cotton linter.
IS E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE SAFE TO EAT?
Yes, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose's safety used as a food additive has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), as well as other authorities.
FDA
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice in food for human consumption.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose can be used for anticaking agent or free-flow agent, drying agent, emulsifier or emulsifier salt, formulation aid, humectant, stabilizer or thickener and texturizer in Cheeses, Food Dress, Art Sw Jelly & Fruit Jams and Froz Desserts.
EFSA
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is listed in Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 as an authorised food additive and categorized as “additives other than colours and sweeteners”
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose's application is listed in Group I and separately by E 466.
*The following foods may contain with it:
*Desserts, snacks, edible ices, chewing gum
*Vegetable oil, breakfast cereals, food supplements
*Cream, milk products, dried fruit and vegetables
*Nut butters and nut spreads, cocoa and Chocolate products
*Bread and rolls, fine bakery wares, unripened and processed cheese
*Sauces, soups and broths, meat products
*Beverage
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is a water-soluble stabilizer and thickener for different food related applications.
When E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is Food or Beverages, the question is how the cellulose gum can improve the final product properties and this is mostly related to the viscosity of the product in use.
The grades and functionality of the E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose can be tailored for specific uses such as for battery, pharmaceutical, food and personal care applications.
HOW E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE IS PRODUCED?
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is made by chemically modifying natural cellulose.
The process involves treating cellulose with an alkaline solution (usually sodium hydroxide) and then introducing chloroacetic acid.
This reaction attaches carboxymethyl groups to the cellulose chain, making E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose water-soluble.
The sodium salt form of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose — known as Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose — is what’s used in foods.
The degree of substitution (the number of carboxymethyl groups added) determines the viscosity and functionality of the final product.
Food-grade E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is purified to remove impurities and ensure consistent quality.
STRUCTURE of E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE:
Cellulose is a linear polymer composed of repeating d-glucose units.
When cellulose is chemically modified to form E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl groups are randomly inserted along the cellulose chain.
The presence of these carboxymethyl groups disrupts the normal hydrogen bonding network in cellulose, making E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose more soluble in water compared to natural cellulose.
The sodium salt form of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose, the most common form used in industry, has an ionic nature due to the presence of sodium ions (Na⁺) associated with carboxymethyl groups.
This ionic nature gives E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose unique properties, such as its ability to form highly viscous solutions at low concentrations, which is very useful in many applications.
PROPERTIES OF E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE:
Resolution
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is soluble in water, forming clear or slightly opalescent solutions.
Solubility depends on the degree of substitution and the molecular weight of the polymer.
In general, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose with higher DS and lower molecular weight is more soluble in water.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose can also be soluble in some polar organic solvents under certain conditions.
Viscosity
One of the most important properties of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is its ability to increase the viscosity of solutions.
When E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose dissolves in water, the long-chain polymer molecules intertwine, forming a three-dimensional network that resists flow.
The viscosity of the solution can be adjusted by changing the E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose concentration, degree of substitution, and molecular weight.
Higher concentrations, higher molecular weights, and appropriate degrees of substitution generally result in higher viscosities.
Stability
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is relatively stable under normal conditions.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose can withstand a wide range of pH values, from acidic to alkaline.
However, extreme pH values and high temperatures can cause some degradation of the polymer.
Under acidic conditions, the carboxymethyl groups can be protonated, which can reduce the solubility and viscosity of the solution.
Under alkaline conditions, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is generally more stable, but prolonged exposure to high pH solutions can lead to some hydrolysis of the glycosidic bonds.
WHAT IS THE CHEMICAL FORMULA FOR E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE?
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC), also known as E466 in the food industry, is a widely used food additive and industrial chemical.
As a leading supplier of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose E466, I am frequently asked about its chemical formula and various properties.
The chemical formula of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is generally represented as [c₆h₇o₂ (oh) ₃₋ₓ (och₂coona) ₓ] ₙ, where "x" represents the degree of substitution (DS), ranging from 0.3 to 1.5, and "n" indicates the degree of polymerization.
This formula shows that E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose is a derivative of cellulose, a naturally occurring polymer composed of glucose units linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds.
In the carboxymethylation process, some hydroxyl groups (-OH) on the glucose units are replaced with carboxymethyl groups (-OCh₂coona).
The degree of substitution (DS) is an important parameter for E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose.
E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose expresses the average number of carboxymethyl groups per glucose unit.
A higher DS value means that more hydroxyl groups are substituted, which will significantly affect the properties of E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose such as solubility, viscosity, and stability.
For example, E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose with a high DS is more soluble in water and has better stability in acidic and alkaline environments.
PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE:
CAS No. 9004-32-4
Formula C5h7o4coona
EINECS 618-415-6
Certification BRC, ISO, FDA, HACCP
Packaging Material Laminated Material
Storage Method Normal
Shelf Life >12 Months
Main Active Ingredient Agar
Boiling Point: 525-528°C
Melting Point: 274°C (dec.)
pH: 6.0-8.0
Solubility: Soluble in water
Viscosity: High
Melting point: 274 °C (dec.)
Density: 1.6 g/cm³
FEMA: 2239 | CARBOXYMETHYLCELLULOSE
Storage temp.: Room temp
Solubility: H2O: 20 mg/mL, soluble
Form: Low viscosity
pKa: 4.30 (at 25℃)
Color: White to light yellow
Odor: Odorless
pH Range: 6.5 - 8.5
pH: pH (10g/l, 25℃) 6.0-8.0
Viscosity: 900 to 1400 mPa-s (1%, H2O, 25 ℃)
Water Solubility: Soluble
Merck: 14,1829
Stability: Stable.
Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS): CARBOXYMETHYL CELLULOSE, SODIUM SALT
SCOGS (Select Committee on GRAS Substances): Sodium Carboxymethyl cellulose
Chemical formula: Variable
Molar mass: Variable
Physical state: Solid
Color: Light yellow
Odor: Odorless
Melting point/freezing point: Melting point: > 300.05 °C
Initial boiling point and boiling range: No data available
Flammability (solid, gas): No data available
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: No data available
Flash point: Not applicable
Autoignition temperature: No data available
Decomposition temperature: > 250 °C
pH: At 10 g/l at 20 °C
Viscosity:
Viscosity, kinematic: No data available
Viscosity, dynamic: No data available
Water solubility: Soluble
Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water: No data available
Vapor pressure: No data available
Density: No data available
Relative density: 1.59
Relative vapor density: No data available
Particle characteristics: No data available
Explosive properties: No data available
Oxidizing properties: None
Other safety information: No data available
CAS Number: 9004-32-4
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
— CH2COONa
— CH2COOH
OR can be written as: [C6H7O2 (OH)x (OCH2COONa)y]n n≥4
x = 1.50-2.80; y = 0.20–1.50; x + y = 3.0
Molecular Weight: Higher than approximately 17 000 (degree of polymerisation approximately 100)
Chemical Name: Carboxymethyl Cellulose
INCI Name: Cellulose Gum
Pearl Name: Cellulose Gum
General Trade Name: CMC, Cellulose Gum, Tylose
CAS Number: 9004-32-4
EC Number: 618-378-6
IUPAC Number: Sodium carboxymethylcellulose
E Food Code: E466
CAS Number: 9004-32-4
EC number: 618-378-6
MDL number: MFCD00081472
E number: E466 (thickeners, ...)
Molecular Formula: C₆H₇O₂(OR₁)(OR₂)(OR₃), where R₁, R₂, and R₃ can be H, CH₂COONa, or CH₂COOH
[C₆H₇O₂(OH)ₓ(OCH₂COONa)ᵧ]n, where n ≥ 4, x = 1.50-2.80, y = 0.20–1.50, and x + y = 3.0.
Molecular Weight: approximately 17,000 g/mol, with the degree of polymerization being approximately 100 or higher
Commercial grades can have molecular weights ranging from 50,000 to 800,000 g/mol
Appearance: CMC is typically a white or cream-colored powder, which can be granular or fibrous.
It may also appear slightly yellowish or greyish.
Odor: It is generally odorless.
Taste: CMC is considered tasteless.
Solubility:
A key property is its high solubility in water, where it forms viscous solutions or gels.
It is practically insoluble or very slightly soluble in anhydrous ethanol and other organic solvents like ether and chloroform.
It is soluble in alkaline solutions, which increases its viscosity.
Melting Point:
CMC does not have a distinct melting point; it typically decomposes, with some sources indicating decomposition around 274°C.
Density: The bulk density of CMC powder is typically in the range of 0.5 to 0.7 g/cm³.
The density of the solid material is around 1.05 g/cm³ to 1.601 g/cm³ depending on temperature and specific form.
pH: A 1% aqueous solution of CMC usually has a pH value between 5.0 and 8.5.
Chemical Name: Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose
E Number: E466
CAS Number: 9004-32-4
EC Number: 618-378-6
ECHA Number: 100.133.717
Molecular Formula: C8H15NaO8 (representative unit)
General Polymer Formula: [C6H7O2(OH)x(OCH2COONa)y]n
Molecular Weight: Variable depending on polymerization degree; representative monomer unit approximately 262.19 g/mol
IUPAC Name: Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
Chemical Class: Anionic cellulose ether
Appearance: White to cream-colored powder, granular or fibrous
Odor: Odorless
Taste: Tasteless
Appearance: White, off-white, cream-colored, or slightly yellowish powder
Physical Form: Granular, fibrous, or free-flowing appearance
Odor: Odorless and tasteless
Hygroscopicity: Hygroscopic material
Solubility in Water: Freely soluble in cold or hot water
Solution Appearance: Forms transparent or slightly cloudy viscous colloidal solutions
Solubility in Organic Solvents: Insoluble in ethanol, ether, chloroform, and most organic solvents
Water Retention Capacity: Excellent water retention capacity
Viscosity: High viscosity even at low concentrations
Viscosity Dependence: Viscosity depends on molecular weight and degree of substitution
pH Stability: Stable over a wide pH range, generally between pH 4–10
Ionic Character: Anionic polymer due to carboxymethyl functional groups
Film-Forming Capability: Good film-forming capability
Emulsifying and Suspending Performance: Good emulsifying and suspending performance
Binding Properties: Strong binding and adhesive characteristics
Compatibility: Compatible with many water-soluble polymers
Gel Formation: Can form gels under certain conditions
Freeze-Thaw Stability: Good freeze-thaw stability
Resistance: Resistant to oils and greases
Biodegradability: Biodegradable material
Flammability: Non-flammable under normal conditions
Thermal Behavior: Decomposes at high temperatures rather than sharply melting
Humidity Sensitivity: Slightly hygroscopic in humid environments
Surface Activity: Surface-active behavior in aqueous systems
Colloidal Stabilization: Excellent colloidal stabilization properties
Syneresis Reduction: Reduces syneresis in gels and emulsions
Texture Improvement: Improves texture and mouthfeel in food systems
Protective Colloid Function: Acts as a protective colloid
Flow Behavior: High pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) behavior
Suspension Stabilization: Can stabilize suspensions and dispersions for long periods
Degree of Substitution: Usually ranges between 0.4 and 1.5
Molecular Weight: May vary from approximately 50,000 up to several million Daltons depending on grade
pH of Aqueous Solution: Generally around 6.0–8.5
Density: Approximately 1.5–1.6 g/cm³
FIRST AID MEASURES of E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE:
-Description of first-aid measures:
*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.
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing:
Make victim drink water (two glasses at most).
Consult doctor if feeling unwell.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed:
No data available
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of E466 CARBOXY 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 E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Water
Foam
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
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 E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection.
Safety glasses
*Skin protection:
Splash contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0,11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0,11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.
HANDLING and STORAGE of E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.
Dry.
STABILITY and REACTIVITY of E466 CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature) .
-Conditions to avoid:
no information available
-Incompatible materials:
No data available
