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Hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose

CAS Number
9032-42-2
EC Number
618-528-0
Chemical Formula
C2H6O2.xCH4O.xUnspecified
Molecular Weight
858.9 g/mol

Description

Hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC, CAS 9032-42-2 ) is a non-ionic cellulose ether produced by the combined etherification of cellulose with methyl and hydroxyethyl groups. It functions primarily as a rheology modifier, thickener, and water-retention agent across construction, personal care, and industrial formulations. In dry-mix mortars, tile adhesives, and cement-based renders, HEMC controls workability and prevents premature water loss during curing. This directly affects open time and bond strength in high-performance building materials. Personal care formulators use it to build viscosity in shampoos, lotions, and gel-based products while improving spreadability. In interior and exterior paints, it provides sag resistance and stabilizes pigment dispersion throughout the coating's shelf life. Textile and paper processing operations apply it as a surface sizing and finishing agent to improve coating uniformity and substrate adhesion. This versatile polymer ensures consistent performance across diverse manufacturing environments. HEMC is supplied as a white to off-white free-flowing powder. Viscosity grades vary widely, typically ranging from low to high molecular weight variants, allowing formulators to match product performance to specific application requirements. Both technical-grade and pharmaceutical-grade material is available for global distribution. Pharmaceutical supply conforms to USP or Ph.Eur. specifications to ensure the highest levels of purity and safety for sensitive applications. Contact us for supply of Hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose Request Quote

Other Names (Synonyms)

methyl 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose | CID 133126848 | Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl methyl ether | Methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose | Culminal MHEC | Tylose MHB | HEMC

Key Technical Features

  • High Purity Grade standard
  • Consistent Batch Quality
  • Full Regulatory & REACH Support
  • Global Logistics Network enabled

Physical Properties

Density0.257 g/cm³
Colorwhite to faint beige
Formpowder
Water SolubilityH2O: soluble 20mg/mL

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code3912 39 85
Storage Class11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany)1