HYDROXYPROPYLCELLULOSE- ▸ 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.
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.
Request SDS →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.
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU): Not determined from public registry
- EC number: 618-388-0
TSCA Inventory flag XU: a substance exempt from reporting under the Chemical Data Reporting Rule (40 CFR 711) (EPA flag legend).
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
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.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC)?
Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC) (CAS 9004-64-2) is listed as Active on the U.S. EPA TSCA Inventory; its REACH registration status is not determined from the public ECHA registry.