C4888

Carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt

Medium viscosity

• Synonym(s): Sodium carboxymethylcellulose
• CAS Number: 9004-32-4
• MDL number: MFCD00081472

Properties

• biological source: wood (pulp)
• Quality Level: 200
• form: powder
• color: light yellow
• useful pH range: (20 °C, 10 g/L, 68 °F neutral)
• viscosity: 400-800 cP, 2 % in H₂O(25 °C)(lit.)
• mp: > 300.05 °C ((> 572.09 °F))
• solubility: water: soluble
• cation traces: Na: 6.5-9.5%
• storage temp.: room temp
• InChI: 1S/C6H12O6.C2H4O2.Na/c7-1-3(9)5(11)6(12)4(10)2-8;1-2(3)4;/h1,3-6,8-12H,2H2;1H3,(H,3,4);
• InChI key: DPXJVFZANSGRMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Description

General description

This product is a medium viscosity carboxymethylcellulose (CMC); the viscosity of a 2% solution in water at 25 C is 400-800 centipoise (cps). The viscosity is both concentration and temperature dependent. As the temperaure increases, the viscosity decreases. As the concentration increases, the viscosity increases.

Low, medium and high viscosity CMCs are all used as suspending agents. Low viscosity CMC is usually used in "thin" aqueous solutions. Medium viscosity CMC is used to make solutions that look like a syrup. High viscosity CMC is used to make a mixture, which resembles a cream or lotion.

Application

Soluble carboxymethylcelluloses (CM-cellulose; CMC) available in varying viscosities are used as viscosity modifiers (thickeners) to stabilize emulsions and as a chemical dispersants of oils and other carbon structures such as nanotubes. CMCs are used in the development of biostructures such as biofilms, emulsions and nanoparticles for drug delivery. Carboxymethylcellulose, medium viscosity, may be used to make solutions the consistency of syrup.

Preparation Note

The product is soluble in water (20 mg/ml).
The key to dissolving carboxymethylcellulose is to add the solid carefully to the water so that it is well dispersed (well-wetted). Adding the solid in portions may be necessary. Adding water to the dry solid produces a "clump" of solid that is very difficult to dissolve; the solid must be added to the water. Stir gently or shake intermittently; do not stir constantly with a magnetic stirring bar. High heat is not needed and may actually slow down the solubilization process. A mixing device, such as an impeller-type agitator which produces a vortex, would allow the powder to be drawn into the liquid, but it may produce some shearing.

Other Notes

A completely water-soluble polymer; not an ion exchanger.

Safety Information

• Storage Class Code: 11 - Combustible Solids
• WGK: WGK 1
• Flash Point(F): Not applicable
• Flash Point(C): Not applicable
• Personal Protective Equipment: dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves