Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chemically modified form of cellulose: Carboxymethyl cellulose is a water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose, where carboxymethyl groups (-CH₂-COOH) are introduced. It is widely used as a thickener, stabilizer, and binder in food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products.
   • An acid derivative of cellulose: This term specifically refers to the compound resulting from the reaction of cellulose with chloroacetic acid, giving it acidic properties and high viscosity in solution.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Carboxymethyl cellulose is a common food additive, often listed as E466 on ingredient labels.
  • The scientist used carboxymethyl cellulose to increase the viscosity of the solution in the experiment.
  • This pharmaceutical tablet uses carboxymethyl cellulose as a binder to hold the ingredients together.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Industrial Context: In technical writing, "carboxymethyl cellulose" is often abbreviated as CMC. It is specified for its functional properties, such as water retention or rheological modification.
  • The drilling fluid formulation required a specific grade of CMC for optimal performance.

Variants and Related Words

• Cellulose Gum: A common alternative name for carboxymethyl cellulose, especially in the food industry.
  • Cellulose gum serves the same thickening function as carboxymethyl cellulose.
• Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (NaCMC): The sodium salt form, which is the most commercially prevalent and water-soluble variant.
  • Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is more readily dissolved in cold water than the acid form.

Synonyms

• CMC: The standard acronym.
• Cellulose Gum: A synonym used primarily in food and cosmetic applications.

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium: The full name for the common sodium salt form.
• Cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose: A modified version with different solubility and swelling properties.

Noun

1. an acid derivative of cellulose