A thermoplastic cellulose ether, soluble in both water and polar organic solvents, that thickens, binds and forms tough films. It is used as a thickener, binder, film former and emulsion stabilizer in personal-care, coatings and pharmaceutical-excipient applications such as tablet binding and film coating.
▸Thickener: Controls viscosity in aqueous and solvent systems.
▸Binder: Granulation and tablet binder in solid dosage forms.
▸Film former: Forms flexible films and coatings.
▸Emulsion stabilizer: Stabilizes and suspends in formulations.
Physical Properties
appearance
White to off-white powder or granules (typical)
odor
Odorless to slight (typical)
solubility_water
Soluble in cold water below ~38 C; insoluble above ~45 C (thermal gelation; typical)
solubility_organic
Soluble in many polar organic solvents incl. ethanol, methanol, and propylene glycol (typical)
ph_aqueous_solution
5.0 - 8.5 (1% to 2% aqueous solution; typical)
glass_transition_temperature
~105 - 130 C (typical, grade dependent)
bulk_density
0.4 - 0.6 g/cm3 (typical)
moisture_content
<= 5% as supplied (typical)
molar_substitution
~3.0 - 4.5 hydroxypropyl groups per anhydroglucose unit (typical)
viscosity
Grade dependent, ~75 to 6,500 mPa.s (2% aqueous; typical)
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
🌐Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
3912.39
Chapter 39
Plastics and articles thereof
Heading 39.12
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 3912.39
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
9004-64-2
INCI Name
HYDROXYPROPYLCELLULOSE
Synonyms & Trade Names
HPCHydroxypropylcelluloseCellulose hydroxypropyl etherCellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl etherHyproloseOxypropylated celluloseComparable to Klucel
Full Description
Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC, CAS 9004-64-2) is a nonionic cellulose ether soluble in water and many polar organic solvents. It is used as a thickener, binder, film former and emulsion stabilizer in personal-care, coatings and pharmaceutical-excipient applications such as tablet binding and film coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hydroxypropyl cellulose natural?
Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC, CAS 9004-64-2) is a modified natural polymer: it is made from cellulose, a natural polysaccharide, that has been etherified with propylene oxide to introduce hydroxypropyl groups. The result is a nonionic cellulose ether.
What is hydroxypropyl cellulose used for?
HPC is used as a thickener for aqueous and solvent systems, a granulation and tablet binder in solid dosage forms, a film former for flexible coatings, and an emulsion stabilizer. It serves personal-care, coatings, and pharmaceutical-excipient applications.
What is the solubility of hydroxypropyl cellulose?
HPC is a nonionic cellulose ether soluble in water and in many polar organic solvents, which distinguishes it from cellulose ethers that are water-soluble only. This dual solubility supports its use in both aqueous and solvent-based systems. Confirm grade-specific behavior against the specification.
What grades of hydroxypropyl cellulose are available?
HPC is supplied in a range of viscosity and particle-size grades selected by application, including grades used as pharmaceutical excipients for tablet binding and film coating. Confirm the target viscosity grade and specification against the Certificate of Analysis when ordering.
How is hydroxypropyl cellulose supplied in bulk?
RawSource supplies HPC powder in bagged and bulk quantities for personal-care, coatings, and excipient use. Request a bulk quote specifying grade for current pricing, packaging, and lead time.
Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.
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