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Carboxymethyl Cellulose

What is Carboxymethyl Cellulose?

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) or cellulose gum is a cellulose derivative with carboxymethyl groups (-CH2-COOH) bound to some of the hydroxyl groups of the glucopyranose monomers that make up the cellulose backbone. It is often used as its sodium salt, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. [1]

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Usage in Food

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) is used in food science as a viscosity modifier or thickener, and to stabilize emulsions in various products including ice cream. As a food additive, it has E number E466. [1]



History

Unknown

Other Ingredient Information

Products containing Carboxymethyl Cellulose


The percentage represents the approximate total number of food products from UPC Food Search's data that contain the ingredient, "Carboxymethyl Cellulose".
The data is calculated from UPC Food Search's product data only, and is not meant to reflect all food products regionally or globally.

Source(s) Derived From

 Plant Sources, Chemical (Synthetic) Sources

It is synthesized by the alkali-catalyzed reaction of cellulose with chloroacetic acid. The polar (organic acid) carboxyl groups render the cellulose soluble and chemically reactive. [1]

Natural or Artificial?

 Artificial

References
  1. Carboxymethyl cellulose - Wikipedia

Aliases (Also Known As)


 Carboxy Methyl Cellulose
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Gum
Carboxymethylcellulose
Carboxymethylcellulose Gum
CMC
CMC Gum
Sodium Carboxy Methylcellulose
Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose

Color Key - (Click/Tap to View) Dash

  • Natural
  • Natural & Possibly Unsafe
  • Artificial
  • Artificial & Possibly Unsafe
  • Both (Can be derived from Natural & Artificial Sources)
  • Both (Can be derived from Natural & Artificial Sources) & Possibly Unsafe

Revision History

Action User Date/Time
Ingredient addedUPC Food SearchMay 18, 2010 @ 11:51 PM

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