answersLogoWhite

0

Carboxymethyl cellulose, or CMC, 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 synthesized by the alkali-catalyzed reaction of cellulose with chloroacetic acid. The polar (organic acid) carboxyl groups render the cellulose soluble and chemically reactive. The functional properties of CMC depend on the degree of substitution of the cellulose structure (i.e., how many of the hydroxyl groups have taken part in the substitution reaction), as well as the chain length of the cellulose backbone structure.

CMC is used in food science as a viscosity modifier or thickener, and to stabilize emulsions, for instance in ice cream. It has E number E466. It is also a constituent of many non-food products, such as K-Y Jelly, toothpaste, laxatives, diet pills, water-based paints, detergents, and various paper products. They have high viscosity, are not toxic, and are generally non-allergenic. CMC is used as a lubricant in non-volatile eye drops (artificial tears). Sometimes it is methylcellulose (MC) which is used, but its non-polar methyl groups (-CH3) do not add any solubility or chemical reactivity to the base cellulose.
Carboxymethylcellulose is an acid.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

What is the chemical reaction between sodium hydroxide and cellulose?

The reaction between sodium hydroxide and cellulose involves the hydrolysis of cellulose chains by the sodium hydroxide, breaking down the cellulose polymer into its constituent glucose units. This reaction results in the formation of sodium cellulose glycolate and water. Sodium hydroxide acts as a catalyst in this process, facilitating the breakdown of cellulose molecules.


What is the difference between carbohydrates and cellulose?

Carbohydrates are a broad category of organic compounds that serve as a major source of energy for living organisms. Cellulose is a specific type of carbohydrate that provides structural support to plants and is not easily digestible by most animals due to its complex structure.


When a cellulose paper is dipped in water the force existing between the particles of the cellulose paper and the water particles is a?

intermolecular forces


What type of reaction occurs between dye and cellulose?

A dye can bond with cellulose fibers through a chemical process called absorption dyeing. This involves forming strong chemical bonds between the dye molecules and the cellulose, resulting in the coloration of the material.


What is the structural differences between starch and cellulose in term of their roles in plants?

The basic functional difference is that Starch is for energy storage and Cellulose is for Cell Wall formation.The difference in structure is in the two possible ways to connect the glucose monomers together.

Related Questions

What is the difference between avicel and microcrystalline cellulose?

There is no difference. Avicel is the brand name of the first microcrystalline cellulose on the market.


Difference between maltose and cellulose?

difference between cellulose and maltose is that cellulose is (chiefly in technical texts) while maltose is (carbohydrate) a disaccharide, c12h22o11 formed from the digestion of starch by amylase; is converted to glucose by maltase.


One difference between plant and animal cell is that animal cells do not have?

chloroplast and large vacuole and cellulose cell wall


What is the difference between meristematic and permanent tissue?

Meristematic tissues have the capacity to divide while permanent tissue lost the capacity of division. Meristematic tissue have thin cellulose walls while permanent tissue has a thick cellulose wall.


What is the relationship between termites and the cellulose?

Termites eat cellulose. Wood is made of cellulose so termites eat wood.


What is the difference between viscose and cellulose acetate?

Viscose is a type of rayon made from regenerated cellulose, while cellulose acetate is a synthetic fiber made from wood pulp or cotton fibers chemically treated with acetic acid. Viscose tends to be more breathable and drapes well, while cellulose acetate is more resistant to shrinking and wrinkling.


Difference between methyl cellulose and ethyl cellulose?

Cellulose has 3 hydroxyl (OH) groups on each glucose unit. Methyl cellulose replaces these hydroxyl groups with methoxy (OCH3) groups. Therefore it follows that these groups are now replaced with ethoxy groups or (OCH2CH3) groups.


What is the chemical reaction between sodium hydroxide and cellulose?

The reaction between sodium hydroxide and cellulose involves the hydrolysis of cellulose chains by the sodium hydroxide, breaking down the cellulose polymer into its constituent glucose units. This reaction results in the formation of sodium cellulose glycolate and water. Sodium hydroxide acts as a catalyst in this process, facilitating the breakdown of cellulose molecules.


What is edible cellulose?

In organic chemistry, cellulose is a polysaccharide that is the primary structural component of green plants. So in this instance, cabbages, green beans, collard greens would all be examples of edible cellulose. In the industrial arena, cellulose is made from wood pulp and cotton, and is the primary ingredient in cardboard. You can eat cardboard, but according to Myth Busters, there is no nutritional difference between the cellulose of the cereal box and the cereal itself, but the cereal sure tastes better.


When a cellulose paper is dipped in water the force existing between the particles of the cellulose paper and the water particles is a?

intermolecular forces


What is the difference between carbohydrates and cellulose?

Carbohydrates are a broad category of organic compounds that serve as a major source of energy for living organisms. Cellulose is a specific type of carbohydrate that provides structural support to plants and is not easily digestible by most animals due to its complex structure.


What is the difference between avicel pH 101 avicel pH 102 and avicel pH 103?

Avicel pH 101 is microcrystalline cellulose used as a pharmaceutical excipient. Avicel pH 102 is a special grade of microcrystalline cellulose with improved flow properties. Avicel pH 103 is another grade of microcrystalline cellulose with enhanced binding properties.