Ethyl methyl cellulose


Contributors to Wikimedia projects

Article Images

Ethyl methyl cellulose is a thickener, vegetable gum, foaming agent and emulsifier. Its E number is E465.[1]

Ethyl methyl cellulose

R=H or CH3 or CH2CH3

Names
Other names

Methyl ethyl cellulose; Ethyl methyl ether of cellulose; E465; INS No. 465

Identifiers
Abbreviations MEC
ChemSpider
  • none
E number E465 (thickeners, ...)
Properties
[C6H7O2(OH)x(OCH3)y(OC2H5)z]n, z = 0.57-0.8, y = 0.2-0.4, x = 3-(x+y)[1]
Molar mass 30000-40000 g/mol[1]

Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Chemically, it is a derivative of cellulose with ethyl and methyl groups attached by ether linkages. It can be prepared by treatment of cellulose with dimethyl sulfate and ethyl chloride in the presence of an alkali.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d Methyl Ethyl Cellulose Archived 2018-02-05 at the Wayback Machine, monograph prepared at the 17th JECFA (1973), published in FNP 4 (1978) and in FNP 52 (1992)