Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose structure

Introduction

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a type of cellulose derivative which is derived from cellulose by carboxymethylation. It is a white, odorless, tasteless powder that is widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other industries. CMC is a water-soluble polymer that has a wide range of uses due to its unique properties. It is used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, emulsifier, and suspending agent. CMC is also used as a protective colloid in the manufacture of paper and textiles.

Structure

The structure of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is composed of a linear chain of glucose molecules which are linked together by glycosidic bonds. The glucose molecules are connected to each other by a single oxygen atom, forming a linear chain. The linear chain is then carboxymethylated, which means that a carboxymethyl group (CH2COOH) is attached to the hydroxyl group (OH) of the glucose molecule. This carboxymethylation process results in a negatively charged carboxymethyl cellulose molecule.

The structure of carboxymethyl cellulose can be represented by the following formula:

(C6H10O5)n-CH2COOH

where n is the degree of substitution (DS) of the carboxymethyl group. The degree of substitution is the number of carboxymethyl groups per glucose molecule. The higher the degree of substitution, the higher the viscosity of the CMC solution.

Properties

Carboxymethyl cellulose has a number of unique properties that make it useful in a variety of applications.
 It is a water-soluble polymer that is highly stable in aqueous solutions. It is also non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-allergenic. 
CMC is also resistant to microbial degradation and is not affected by pH or temperature.

CMC is a strong thickening agent and can be used to thicken a variety of liquids, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
 It is also used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and suspending agent. CMC is also used as a protective colloid in the manufacture of paper and textiles.

Conclusion

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a type of cellulose derivative which is derived from cellulose by carboxymethylation. 
It is a white, odorless, tasteless powder that is widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other industries. 
CMC is composed of a linear chain of glucose molecules which are linked together by glycosidic bonds and carboxymethylated. 
It has a number of unique properties that make it useful in a variety of applications. 
CMC is a strong thickening agent and can be used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and suspending agent. It is also used as a protective colloid in the manufacture of paper and textiles.