4841. Hydroxypropyl Cellulose

Nomenclature

CAS number: 9004-64-2
Cellulose 2-hydroxypropyl ether; oxypropylated cellulose; Klucel (Hercules); Lacrisert (Merck & Co.).

Description and references

Nonionic water soluble ether of cellulose, q.v. that produces solns having a wide range of viscosity (200-2500 cp). Prepn: NL 6401036; E. D. Klug, US 3278520, US 3278521 (1964, 1966, 1966 all to Hercules). Use in the treatment of dry eye syndrome: T. P. Werblin et al., Ophthalmology 88, 78 (1981); P. Huguet et al., Bull. Soc. Ophthalmol. Fr. 81, 1173 (1981). Review of chemistry, physical properties and uses: E. D. Klug in Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology vol. 15 (Interscience, New York, 1971) pp 307-314; A. J. Desmarais, Industrial Gums, R. L. Whistler, Ed. (Academic Press, New York, 2nd ed., 1973) pp 649-672.

Properties

Off-white, odorless, tasteless powder, softens at 130°. Sol in many polar organic solvents. Ppts from water at 40-45°. Thermoplastic.

Use

As emulsifier, stabilizer, whipping aid, protective colloid, film former or thickener in foods; as binder in ceramics and glazes; in hair and cosmetic prepns; in vacuum-formed containers and blow-molded bottles; as suspending agent in PVC polymerization. Pharmaceutic aid (tablet coating agent).

Therapeutic Category

Topical protectant.

Keywords

Topical Protectant