Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose INS No. 466

Prepared at the 74th JECFA (2011) and published in FAO JECFA Monographs 11 (2011), superseding specifications prepared at the 55th
JECFA (2000), published in the Combined Compendium of Food Additive Specifications, FAO JECFA Monographs 1 (2005). An ADI ‘not specified’
was established for modified celluloses at the 35th JECFA (1989).

SYNONYMS Sodium cellulose glycolate; Na CMC; cellulose gum; sodium CMC; INS No. 466
DEFINITION Prepared from cellulose by treatment with alkali and monochloro-acetic acid or its sodium salt. The article of commerce can be specified further by viscosity. Chemical names Sodium salt of carboxymethyl ether of cellulose
C.A.S. number 9004-32-4

Formula weight         Structural unit with a degree of substitution of 0.20: 178.14
                                 Structural unit with a degree of substitution of 1.50: 282.18
                                 Macromolecules: greater than about 17,000 (n about 100)
Assay Not less than 99.5% of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, calculated on the dried basis
DESCRIPTION White or slightly yellowish, almost odourless hygroscopic granules, powder or fine fibres
FUNCTIONAL USES Thickening agent, stabilizer, suspension agent