What is the chemical structure of Carboxymethyl Cellulose(CMC)?
2026-04-13 10:28:21
Carboxymethyl Cellulose(CMC),usually sodium carboxymethyl cellulose,is a chemically modified cellulose ether.Its structure is based on the linearβ‑1,4‑D‑glucopyranose backbone of natural cellulose,where some hydroxyl hydrogen atoms(–OH)are replaced by carboxymethyl groups(–CH₂COONa).
Structural features:
Each glucose unit has three reactive–OH groups that can be substituted.
Degree of Substitution(DS)describes the average number of carboxymethyl groups per glucose unit;typical food-grade CMC has a DS of 0.6–1.5.
The sodium carboxymethyl groups impart strong water solubility and anionic character,which gives CMC its thickening,stabilizing,and water‑retention properties.
References
GB/T 7714
Horst F,Rånby B.Carboxymethyl Cellulose:Synthesis,Properties,and Applications[J].Progress in Polymer Science,1981,7(3–4):249–277.
MLA
Horst,Frieder,and Bengt Rånby."Carboxymethyl Cellulose:Synthesis,Properties,and Applications."Progress in Polymer Science,vol.7,nos.3–4,1981,pp.249–277.
APA
Horst,F.,&Rånby,B.(1981).Carboxymethyl cellulose:Synthesis,properties,and applications.Progress in Polymer Science,7(3–4),249–277.
