Product Description
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose is a propylene glycol ether of methyl cellulose, in which hydroxypropyl and methyl groups are attached to anhydrous glucose rings via ether bonds. It appears as a white or off-white fibrous powder or granules. Various grades are available with different ratios of methoxy and hydroxypropyl substitution. It is soluble in water and selected organic solvents but insoluble in ethanol. Its aqueous solution shows surface activity and forms a film upon drying. The solution undergoes reversible sol–gel transition upon heating and cooling.
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Melting point | 225–230 °C |
| Density | 1.39 |
| Storage temperature | Room temperature |
| Solubility in water | 50 mg/mL, clear to very faintly turbid, faintly yellow |
| Form | Powder |
| Color | White to cream |
| Odor | Odorless |
| pH | 5.0–8.0 |
| Biological source | Plant |
| Water solubility | Soluble |
| Merck Index | 14, 4842 |
| Stability | Stable; solid is combustible; incompatible with strong oxidizing agents |
| EPA Substance Registry | 2-Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (9004-65-3) |
Safety Information
| Item | Specification |
| Safety Statements | S24/25 |
| WGK Germany | 1 |
| RTECS | NF9125000 |
| F | 3–10 |
| TSCA | Listed |
| HS Code | 39129000 |
Product Applications
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) is a water-soluble cellulose-based polymer widely used as a thickener, binder, film former, water-retention agent, suspension aid, surfactant, lubricant, protective colloid, and emulsifier. Its solutions exhibit thermal gelation behavior.
Food industry: Emulsion and foam stabilizer, fat substitute, non-caloric bulking agent, binder.
Pharmaceutical industry: Dispersing and thickening agent, tablet film-coating material, excipient in drug formulations.
Cosmetics industry | Hair shampoos, eye makeup products, skin care preparations.
Delivery Information
Inventory orders: 2–3 working days
New production: 7–10 working days
