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Thickener in beverages, bakery and frozen desserts.
Ingredients / Hydrocolloids / Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, CMC
Hydrocolloids, thickeners & emulsifiers
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, CMC (E 466)
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) for U.S. manufacturers, from vetted producers. FCC / USP grade on request. Download the sample spec sheet, then send us your grade and quantity.
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Key facts
| CAS No. | 9004-32-4 |
|---|---|
| E-number (EU) | E 466 |
| Synonyms | NaCMC, Sodium CMC |
| Chemical formula | The polymers contain substituted anhydroglucose units with the following general formula: C6H7O2(OR1)(OR2)(OR3), where R1, R2, R3 each may be one of the following: — H — CH2COONa — CH2COOH |
| Molecular weight | Higher than approximately 17 000 (degree of polymerisation approximately 100) |
| Description | Slightly hygroscopic white or slightly yellowish or greyish odourless and tasteless, granular or fibrous powder |
| Solubility | Yields a viscous colloidal dispersion in water. Insoluble in ethanol |
| Grades | EU Reg. 231/2012 (E 466) sample spec · FCC / USP available on request for U.S. food/pharma use |
| Origin | Confirmed in every offer; stated per lot on the COA |
| Storage, shelf life, packaging | Per the producer's specification, on request |
What sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is
Sodium carboxy methyl cellulose is the partial sodium salt of a carboxymethyl ether of cellulose, the cellulose being obtained directly from strains of fibrous plant material. Formula The polymers contain substituted anhydroglucose units with the following general formula: C6H7O2(OR1)(OR2)(OR3), where R1, R2, R3 each may be one of the following: — H — CH2COONa — CH2COOH, molecular weight Higher than approximately 17 000 (degree of polymerisation approximately 100). Slightly hygroscopic white or slightly yellowish or greyish odourless and tasteless, granular or fibrous powder. Yields a viscous colloidal dispersion in water. Insoluble in ethanol. (Source: EU Regulation 231/2012, E 466.)
Applications by industry
Sample specification
Values from EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 466), consolidated text of 18.08.2026. Actual values depend on the producer; the producer's specification and the COA for your lot are available on request.
| Assay | Content on the anhydrous basis not less than 99,5 % |
|---|---|
| Degree of substitution | Not less than 0,2 and not more than 1,5 carboxymethyl groups (-CH2COOH) per anhydroglucose unit |
| Loss on drying | Not more than 12 % (105 °C to constant weight) |
| Arsenic | Not more than 0,1 mg/kg |
| Lead | Not more than 0,1 mg/kg |
| Mercury | Not more than 0,1 mg/kg |
| Cadmium | Not more than 0,1 mg/kg |
| Total glycolate | Not more than 0,4 %, calculated as sodium glycolate on the anhydrous basis |
| Sodium | Not more than 12,4 % on the anhydrous basis |
Download the full spec sheet (PDF)
Documents and sourcing
Droplet promise. Origin confirmed in every offer. Sample lot record on request, from the producer. SDS, allergen and other statements on request. We work with vetted producers and give you access to U.S.- and EU-stocked material through our partner network.
Data sheet, SDS and COA on request. Every delivery ships with a COA linked to the delivered lot.
Questions buyers ask
What is sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) used for?
Typical uses by industry. Food & beverage: Thickener in beverages, bakery and frozen desserts. Suitability for your product and market is confirmed with the producer's specification.
Which grades can McBoeck supply?
Food grade to EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 466). FCC / USP grade is available on request for U.S. food and pharma use. Particle size and other grade details follow the producer's specification, on request.
Which documents come with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)?
Every delivery ships with a COA linked to the delivered lot. Origin confirmed in every offer. Sample lot record on request, from the producer. SDS, allergen and other statements on request.
What does the sample spec sheet show?
Limits for assay, degree of substitution, loss on drying, arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, total glycolate and sodium, taken from EU Regulation 231/2012. Actual values depend on the producer; the producer's specification and the lot COA are available on request.
How do I get a quote?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location through the quote form or at [email protected]. We work with vetted producers and give you access to U.S.- and EU-stocked material through our partner network.
Related hydrocolloids
AgarAlginic AcidCarrageenanDistilled Monoglycerides, DMGAll hydrocolloids
Need sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location. Email [email protected] or call +1 (713) 766-6811.