Methyl cellulose
Methyl Cellulose
Methyl cellulose (pronunciation: meth-ill sell-you-lose) is a chemical compound derived from cellulose. It is a white, powdery substance that is odorless and tasteless.
Etymology
The term "methyl cellulose" is derived from its chemical composition. "Methyl" refers to the methyl group (CH3) in its molecular structure, and "cellulose" refers to the natural polymer from which it is derived.
Description
Methyl cellulose is a hydrophilic white powder in pure form and dissolves in cold (but not in hot) water, forming a clear viscous solution or gel. It is used as a thickener and emulsifier in various food and cosmetic products, and also as a treatment of constipation.
Related Terms
- Cellulose: An organic compound and a polysaccharide consisting of a linear chain of several hundred to many thousands of β(1→4) linked D-glucose units.
- Hydrophilic: Having a tendency to mix with, dissolve in, or be wetted by water.
- Emulsifier: A substance that stabilizes an emulsion, in particular a food additive used to stabilize processed foods.
- Constipation: A common condition that affects people of all ages. It can mean that you're not passing stools regularly or you're unable to completely empty your bowel.
See Also
- Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose: A semisynthetic, inert, viscoelastic polymer used as eye drops, as well as an excipient and controlled-delivery component in oral medicaments.
- Carboxymethyl cellulose: Often used as its sodium salt, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Methyl cellulose
- Wikipedia's article - Methyl cellulose
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