CROSS-LINKED SODIUM CARBOXYMETHYL CELLULOSE
New specifications prepared at the 59th JECFA (2002), published in FNP 52 Add 10 (2002), re-published with editorial corrections in FNP 52 Add 11(2003). This substance was included at the 59th meeting in the group ADI “not specified” for modified celluloses, established at the 35th JECFA
in 1989.
SYNONYMS Cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose, cross-linked sodium CMC, crosslinked CMC, croscarmellose sodium, cross-linked cellulose gum; INS No. 468
DEFINITION Cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is the sodium salt of thermally cross-linked partly O-carboxymethylated cellulose. It is manufactured by acidifying an aqueous suspension of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and heating the suspension to achieve cross-linking. The product is then washed and dried. It is also produced during the manufacture of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose by lowering the pH and heating to achieve crosslinking.
C.A.S. number 74811-65-7
Chemical formula The polymers contain substituted anhydroglucose units with the general formula: C6H7O2(OR1)(OR2)(OR3)
where R1, R2, and R3 represent the following groups, present in varying proportions
-H
-CH2COONa
-CH2COOH
DESCRIPTION A slightly hygroscopic, white to greyish-white, odourless powder
FUNCTIONAL USES Tabletting agent
