Title: Methylcellulose
CAS Registry Number: 9004-67-5
CAS Name: Cellulose methyl ether
Trademarks: Methocel A (Dow); Benecel M (Hercules); Celevac (Shire); Cellucon (Medo); Citrucel (GSK); Cologel (Lilly); Tearisol (Novartis); Tylose M (Clariant)
Literature References: Cellulose obtained from fibrous plant material and partially etherified with methyl groups. Prepd from cellulose fibers heated with caustic solution and treated with methyl chloride. Commercial methylcellulose has a methoxyl content of 25-33% (degree of substitution 1.5 to 2.0). Review of prepns and properties: Ott,
Cellulose and Cellulose Derivatives (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 2nd ed., 1954/55); G. K. Greminger, A. B. Savage, in
Industrial Gums, R. L. Whistler, Ed. (Academic Press, New York, 2nd ed., 1973) pp 619-647. Clinical efficacy as laxative: J. W. Hamilton
et al., Dig. Dis. Sci. 33, 993 (1988). Evaluation in lens implantation surgery: J. R. Rojas
et al., Ann. Ophthalmol. 21, 389 (1989). Review of production and uses in the food industry: P. de Mariscal, D. A. Bell in
Handbook of Fat Replacers, S. Roller, S. A. Jones, Eds. (CRC Press, Boca Raton FL, 1996) pp 145-159.
Properties: White granules. Odorless, tasteless. Sol in cold water. Insol in hot water. An aq soln is best prepd by dispersing the granules in hot (but not boiling) water with stirring and chilling to +5°. The soln is then stable at room temp. Presence of inorganic salts increases the viscosity. The soly is dependent upon degree of substitution. Clear films may be cast from aq soln.
Use: As a substitute for water-soluble gums; to render paper greaseproof, in adhesives, as thickening agent in cosmetics, as protective colloid in emulsions, as binder and stabilizer in foods. As fat replacer in the formulation of dietetic foods. Pharmaceutic aid (suspending agent).
Therap-Cat: Laxative; ocular lubricant.
Therap-Cat-Vet: Laxative.
Keywords: Laxative/Cathartic.
