Product Description of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) (CAS No. 9004-32-4)
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), also known as cellulose gum, is a water-soluble anionic cellulose ether produced through the chemical modification of natural cellulose. It is typically synthesized by reacting cellulose with sodium hydroxide and monochloroacetic acid, resulting in a functional polymer with adjustable molecular weight and viscosity characteristics.
CMC is generally available as a white to off-white fibrous powder or granulated material. It is odorless, tasteless, and highly hygroscopic. When dispersed in water, it forms a transparent and stable colloidal solution, while showing insolubility in most organic solvents such as ethanol.
The aqueous solution of CMC typically exhibits good stability under neutral and mildly alkaline conditions, with optimal performance around neutral pH. It provides excellent thickening, binding, suspension, and stabilization properties, making it valuable in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations.
CMC demonstrates good thermal stability under moderate processing conditions, although prolonged exposure to high temperatures or strong acidic environments may affect its viscosity and functional performance. When stored in a dry environment away from excessive moisture and light, solid CMC maintains good stability and long-term usability.
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose Chemical Properties
| 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 |
| PH | pH (10g/l, 25℃) 6.0～8.0 |
| Odor | Odorless |
| PH Range | 6.5 - 8.5 |
| Water Solubility | soluble |
| Merck | 141829 |
| Stability | Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. |
| EPA Substance Registry System | Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (9004-32-4) |
| Risk Statements | 40 |
| Safety Statements | 24/25 |
| WGK Germany | 1 |
| RTECS | FJ5950000 |
| F | 3 |
| Autoignition Temperature | 698 °F |
| TSCA | Yes |
| HS Code | 39123100 |
| Toxicity | LD50 oral in rabbit: > 27gm/kg |
Product Application of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) (CAS No. 9004-32-4)
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a multifunctional cellulose derivative widely used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, emulsifier, binder, and water-retention agent across various industries.
In the food industry, food-grade CMC helps improve product texture, consistency, stability, and shelf life. It can enhance mouthfeel, maintain uniformity, prevent ingredient separation, and improve processing performance while supporting cost-effective formulation.
CMC is extensively applied in a broad range of food and beverage products, including solid and liquid beverages, dairy products, canned foods, confectionery, bakery products, meat preparations, biscuits, instant noodles, frozen foods, soy-based beverages, fruit drinks, and tea-based beverages.
The recommended usage level of CMC depends on the specific product category and desired functional performance, allowing manufacturers to adjust formulations according to processing requirements and quality standards.
