Title: Hydroxypropyl Cellulose
CAS Registry Number: 9004-64-2
CAS Name: Cellulose 2-hydroxypropyl ether
Synonyms: oxypropylated cellulose
Trademarks: Klucel (Hercules); Lacrisert (Merck & Co.)
Literature 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 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).
Therap-Cat: Topical protectant.
Keywords: Topical Protectant.