What is Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is an organic substance with the chemical formula [C6H7O2(OH)2OCH2COONa]n, which is a carboxymethylated derivative of cellulose and the most important ionic cellulose gum. CMC is usually an anionic polymer compound prepared by reacting natural cellulose with caustic alkali and monochloroacetic acid. It is odourless, tasteless, non-toxic powder, and easy to disperse in water to form a transparent colloidal solution.

CMC is widely used as a thickener, stabilizer or dispersant in industries, food, medicine, cosmetics, etc. that require odorless and non-toxic.

CMC is a multi-purpose additive in many industrial fields. It can retain water, thicken liquids, regulate flow characteristics, suspend and stabilize dispersions, and can be used as a film forming additive.