Methyl cellulose

Methyl cellulose
Names
Other names
Cellulose, methyl ether; methylated cellulose; methylcellulose; E461
Identifiers
ChemSpider
  • none
ECHA InfoCard 100.115.188 Edit this at Wikidata
E number E461 (thickeners, ...)
UNII
Properties
variable
Molar mass variable
Pharmacology
A06AC06 (WHO)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Methyl cellulose (or methylcellulose) is a compound derived from cellulose. It is sold under a variety of trade names and is used as a thickener and emulsifier in various food and cosmetic products, and also as a bulk-forming laxative. Like cellulose, it is not digestible, non-toxic, and not an allergen. In addition to culinary uses, it is used in arts and crafts such as papier-mâché and is often the main ingredient of wallpaper paste.

In 2020, it was the 422nd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 100,000  prescriptions.[1]

  1. ^ "Methylcellulose - Drug Usage Statistics". ClinCalc. Retrieved 7 October 2022.