Carboxymethylcellulose, Sodium Salt (CMC Na)
| CAS number | 9004 -32-4 |
| Rtecs | FG5950000 |
| SDS | +15 C to +30 C |
| Odour | available |
| Form | solid |
| Color | white |
| Assay | 5.5 – 9.5 | % | |
| Description | Conforms | ||
| Identification | Conforms | ||
| Solubility | Conforms | ||
| Appeaance of solution | Conforms | ||
| Viscosity 2% | 80 – 120 | % | |
| pH | 6.5 – 8.5 | ||
| Heavy metals | ≤ | 0/002 | % |
| Loss on drying | ≤ | 10 | % |
Carboxymethylcellulose, Sodium Salt (CMC Na) is a pharmaceutical-grade cellulose derivative widely used as a viscosity modifier, stabilizer, and suspending agent in pharmaceutical and laboratory formulations. Its anionic, water-soluble polymer structure provides excellent rheological control and stability in various dosage forms.
🏭⚗️ Production
CMC Na is produced by the etherification of purified cellulose with sodium monochloroacetate under alkaline conditions. The process is carefully controlled to achieve the desired degree of substitution and viscosity. The purified and dried product meets pharmacopeial standards such as USP and Ph. Eur., ensuring high purity and consistency for pharmaceutical applications.
🔬 Properties
CMC Na is a white, odorless, and water-soluble powder that forms clear viscous solutions. It is stable in a pH range of 4 to 10 and exhibits pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) flow behavior. Its viscosity depends on concentration and molecular weight, and it remains chemically inert and compatible with most excipients used in drug formulations.
🧪 Applications
In pharmaceutical formulations, CMC Na is widely used as a suspending and stabilizing agent in oral and topical suspensions, ensuring uniform dispersion of insoluble ingredients. It acts as a binder and disintegrant in tablets to improve mechanical strength and dissolution. In ophthalmic solutions and gels, it enhances viscosity and prolongs contact time, improving patient comfort. It is also used in hydrogels, creams, and lotions to control texture and spreadability. In laboratory applications, CMC Na serves as a viscosity standard, stabilizing medium, and matrix material in electrophoresis, chromatography, and other analytical or biological experiments where reproducible flow and suspension properties are required.
⚠️ Safety
CMC Na is non-toxic, non-sensitizing, and biocompatible. It is safe for pharmaceutical and laboratory use but may cause mild irritation if inhaled as a fine powder. It should be stored in tightly sealed containers, in a cool and dry place, to prevent moisture absorption and contamination.
