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Thickeners and rheology modifiers

Hydroxyethyl cellulose

Also known as Cellulose hydroxyethylate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether

CAS 9004-62-0Formula C36H70O19Molar mass 806.94 g/molEC 618-387-5
GHS signal word: Warning. Pictograms: Harmful or irritant 129 suppliers listed Drug substance
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Hydroxyethyl cellulose chemical structure, C36H70O19, CAS 9004-62-0
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
White powder
Melting point
205 to 210
Density
Specific gravity (2%): 1.0033 g/cm³
Solubility
Very soluble in water
HS code
294000
Category
Thickeners and rheology modifiers
Illustrative photo, fine white powder in a clear glass bottle on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Hydroxyethyl cellulose?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a chemical substance with the molecular formula C36H70O19 and a molar mass of 806.94 g/mol. Its CAS registry number is 9004-62-0. The IUPAC name is 1-[[3,4,5-tris(2-hydroxypropoxy)-6-[4,5,6-tris(2-hydroxypropoxy)-2-(2-hydroxypropoxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxyoxan-2-yl]methoxy]propan-2-ol.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
1-[[3,4,5-tris(2-hydroxypropoxy)-6-[4,5,6-tris(2-hydroxypropoxy)-2-(2-hydroxypropoxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxyoxan-2-yl]methoxy]propan-2-ol
CAS number
9004-62-0 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 1041187-47-6
EC number
618-387-5
Molecular formula
C36H70O19
INCI name
HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE
InChIKey
DFJVHKAPIXJTSC-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C36H70O19/c1-19(37)9-45-17-27-29(47-11-21(3)39)31(48-12-22(4)40)34(51-15-25(7)43)36(54-27)55-30-28(18-46-10-20(2)38)53-35(52-16-26(8)44)33(50-14-24(6)42)32(30)49-13-23(5)41/h19-44H,9-18H2,1-8H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CC(COCC1C(C(C(C(O1)OC2C(OC(C(C2OCC(C)O)OCC(C)O)OCC(C)O)COCC(C)O)OCC(C)O)OCC(C)O)OCC(C)O)O

Synonyms

  • Cellulose hydroxyethylate
  • Hydroxyethylcellulose
  • Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether
  • 2-Hydroxyethyl cellulose ether
  • Cellulosize
  • Cellosize
  • Natrosol
  • Cellosize QP
  • Cellosize WP
  • Tylose H series
  • Natrosol LR
  • Tylose P
  • Cellosize QP3
  • OETs
  • 1-((3,4,5-tris(2-hydroxypropoxy)-6-((4,5,6-tris(2-hydroxypropoxy)-2-((2-hydroxypropoxy)methyl)oxan-3-yl)oxy)oxan-2-yl)methoxy)propan-2-ol
  • 1-{[3,4,5-tris(2-hydroxypropoxy)-6-{[4,5,6-tris(2-hydroxypropoxy)-2-[(2-hydroxypropoxy)methyl]oxan-3-yl]oxy}oxan-2-yl]methoxy}propan-2-ol
  • Cellosize UT 40
  • Cellosize WP 09
  • H. E. Cellulose
  • Glutofix 600
  • Natrosol 150L
  • Natrosol 180HH
  • Natrosol 180L
  • Natrosol 240JR
  • Natrosol 250G
Show all 40 synonyms
  • Natrosol 250H
  • Natrosol 250HHP
  • Natrosol 250HHR
  • Natrosol 250HR
  • Natrosol 250HX
  • Natrosol 250L
  • Natrosol 250M
  • Natrosol 250MH
  • Natrosol 300H
  • Hercules N 100
  • Natrosol 250H4R
  • Cellosize WP 300
  • Tylose H 20
  • Fuji hec-BL 20
  • Natrosol 250 HHR

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
White powderexp.
Odour
Odorlessexp.
Taste
Tastelessexp.
Melting point
205 to 210exp.
Density
Specific gravity (2%): 1.0033 g/cm³exp.
Autoignition temperature
420 °Cexp.
Solubility
Very soluble in waterexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
806.94 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
806.4511 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-2.16calc.
Topological polar surface area
263.4 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
8calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
19calc.
Rotatable bonds
28calc.
Heavy atoms
55calc.
Rings
2calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
18calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Fails (3 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, C1CCC(OC2CCCOC2)OC1

C1CCC(OC2CCCOC2)OC1

2 rings, 13 atoms.

536 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant

Hazard statements

  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H335May cause respiratory irritation.
Precautionary statements (16)
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Hydroxyethyl cellulose suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 129 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

129 suppliers in 23 countries

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Hydroxyethyl cellulose price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

For hydroxyethylcellulose (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 046201) there are 0 labels match. [.

Major applications include coating and petroleum production, others are pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, textile processing, and construction. It is also used as a thickener, protective colloid, binder stabilizer, and suspending agent and in artificial tear solutions.

Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is used as a viscosity-enhancing agent in ophthalmic formulations to prolong corneal contact time and increase intraocular drug levels.

Current uses of hydroxyethylcellulose reported in the Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP) total 1360, with the largest number of uses in hair conditioners (261) and hair dyes and colors (194). Current use concentrations range from 0.0002 - 39%.

Industrial uses: Flow promoter, Thickening agent.

Use classes: Processing Aids and Additives, Safer Chemical Classes, Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE(binding, emulsion stabilising, film forming, light stabilizer)

Functional uses

  • Binder
  • Dispersing agent
  • Emulsifier
  • Filler
  • Film former
  • Fragrance
  • Processing aids not otherwise specified
  • Stabilizing agent
  • Thickening agent
  • Viscosity modifier

Cosmetic functions

  • Binding
  • Emulsion stabilising
  • Film forming
  • Light stabilizer
  • Viscosity controlling

How it is made

Reaction of cellulose and ethylene oxide in the presence of a sodium hydroxide catalyst

Hydroxyethyl cellulose is manufactured by reacting ethylene oxide and cellulose in the presence of sodium hydroxide.

Formed by reacting alkali-cellulose of predetermined average molecular weight with various materials to form the respective ether. (Cellulose ethers)

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

United States

  • Safer Choice ingredient list (USA)
  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce, Regulatory flags: Exempt from Chemical Data Reporting

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Hydroxyethyl cellulose is traded under.

HS 2940.00Indicative HS code

Sugar ethers, sugar acetals and sugar esters, and their salts, other than the products of heading 29.37…

World exports in 2024
$1.4B
−5.4% vs 2023, imports $1.42B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. Germany23.7%
  2. China20.6%
  3. United States11.5%
Top importers
  1. United States14.0%
  2. Japan7.4%
  3. Germany6.1%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Hydroxyethyl cellulose is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Hydroxyethyl cellulose, based on the data on this page

What is Hydroxyethyl cellulose?

Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a chemical substance with the molecular formula C36H70O19 and a molar mass of 806.94 g/mol. Its CAS registry number is 9004-62-0. The IUPAC name is 1-[[3,4,5-tris(2-hydroxypropoxy)-6-[4,5,6-tris(2-hydroxypropoxy)-2-(2-hydroxypropoxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxyoxan-2-yl]methoxy]propan-2-ol.

What is the CAS number of Hydroxyethyl cellulose?

The CAS registry number of Hydroxyethyl cellulose is 9004-62-0. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 1041187-47-6.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Hydroxyethyl cellulose?

The molecular formula of Hydroxyethyl cellulose is C36H70O19 and its molar mass is 806.94 g/mol.

What is Hydroxyethyl cellulose used for?

For hydroxyethylcellulose (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 046201) there are 0 labels match. [. Major applications include coating and petroleum production, others are pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, textile processing, and construction.

Is Hydroxyethyl cellulose hazardous?

Hydroxyethyl cellulose carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Hydroxyethyl cellulose?

Hydroxyethyl cellulose is usually classified under HS code 294000 (Sugars, chemically pure, other than sucrose, lactose, maltose, glucose and fructose…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Hydroxyethyl cellulose?

CompoundList lists 129 suppliers of Hydroxyethyl cellulose in China, India, United States, Germany and 19 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Hydroxyethyl cellulose in India?

24 suppliers in India list Hydroxyethyl cellulose on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Hydroxyethyl cellulose?

Suppliers quote Hydroxyethyl cellulose on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Hydroxyethyl cellulose

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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