HYDROXYPROPYLMETHYL CELLULOSE
Prepared at the 74th JECFA (2011) and published in FAO JECFA Monographs 11 (2011), superseding the specifications prepared at the 63rd JECFA (2004), published in the Combined Compendium of Food Additive Specifications, FAO JECFA Monographs 1 (2005). A group
ADI ”not specified” for modified celluloses (ethyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, methyl ethyl cellulose, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose) was established at the 35th JECFA (1989).
SYNONYMS INS No. 464
DEFINITION Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose is a methyl cellulose modified by treatment with alkali and propylene oxide by which a small number of
2-hydroxypropyl groups are attached through ether links to the anhydroglucose units of the cellulose. The article in commerce may be
further specified by viscosity. Chemical names Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl ether of methyl cellulose
C.A.S. number 9004-65-3
Formula weight Unsubstituted structural unit: 162.14
Structural unit with 1.19 degree of substitution: approx. 180
Structural unit with 2.37 degree of substitution: approx. 210
Macromolecules: from about 13,000 (n about 70) up to about 200,000 (n about 1000)
Assay Not less than 19% and not more than 30% of methoxy groups (-OCH3) and not less than 3% and not more than 12% hydroxypropoxy groups
(-OCH2 CHOHCH3), on the dried basis
DESCRIPTION Hygroscopic white or off-white powder, or granules or fine fibres
FUNCTIONAL USES Emulsifier, thickening agent, stabiliser
