Hydroxypropyl cellulose

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Hydroxypropyl cellulose (cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl ether) is a derivative of cellulose with both water solubility and organic solubility.

Contents 1 Chemistry 2 Uses 3 See also 4 External links

[edit] Chemistry

Hydroxypropyl cellulose is an ether of cellulose where some of the hydoxyl groups of the cellulose have been hydroxypropylated forming -OCH2CH(OH)CH3 groups. The average number of hydroxyl groups in the glucose ring substituted is referred to as the degree of substitution (DS). Complete substitution would provide a DS of 3.0. Because the hydroxypropyl group added contains a hydroxyl group, this can also be etherified during preparation of hydroxypropyl cellulose. When this occurs, the number of moles of hydroxypropyl groups per glucose ring (moles of substitution - MS) can be higher than 3.

The CAS registry number of hydroxypropyl cellulose is 9004-64-2.

[edit] Uses

Lacrisert® is a formulation of it used for artificial tears. It is used in syndromes of insufficient tear production (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), recurrent corneal erosions, decreased corneal sensitivity, exposure and neuroparalytic keratitis, and as a lubricant for artificial eyes.

As a food additive, hydroxypropyl cellulose is used as a thickener and as an emulsion stabiliser with E number E463.

[edit] See also

• Carboxymethyl cellulose.

[edit] External links

• Links to external chemical sources