 R=H or CH3 or CH2CH3
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| Names | |
|---|---|
| Other names
Methyl ethyl cellulose; Ethyl methyl ether of cellulose; E465; INS No. 465
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| Identifiers | |
| Abbreviations | MEC |
| ChemSpider |
|
| 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/mol1 |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
| |
Ethyl methyl cellulose is a thickener, vegetable gum, foaming agent and emulsifier.
Description
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
References
References
- 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)