White to light yellow fibrous or powdery solid, a non-ionic cellulose ether. Due to the presence of hydrophilic hydroxyethyl groups in the molecule, it is easily soluble in both cold and hot water. Its aqueous solution has a pH of 6.5–8.5 and is heat-stable. Depending on the degree of substitution (DS), HEC has different solubilities and is insoluble in most organic solvents. It has properties such as thickening, suspending, binding, emulsifying, dispersing, and moisture retention, and can be used to prepare solutions of various viscosities. It also exhibits exceptionally good salt solubility in dielectric applications, allowing its aqueous solutions to remain stable even when containing high concentrations of salts.
Uses
Primarily used as a surfactant, colloid protector, emulsifying stabilizer for emulsion polymerization of vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, etc., as well as a thickener, dispersant, and dispersion stabilizer for latex. It can also be used as a sizing agent in the textile industry, as an additive for adhesion, thickening, emulsification, and stabilization in the electronics and light industry sectors, and as a water-based gel fracturing fluid in the petroleum industry.
CAS
9004-62-0
EINECS
618-387-5
Chemical Formula
C29H52O21
Density
0.75 g/mL at 25°C (lit.)
Melting Point
288-290°C (dec.)
Water Solubility
almost transparent
Solubility
H2O: ≤ 5 wt.% at 20°C
pH Value
pH (20g/l, 25°C): 5.0–8.0
Storage Conditions
2-8°C
Stability
Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizers, acid chlorides, and anhydrides
Sensitivity
Easily absorbs moisture
Appearance
Powder
Color
Light brown powder
Odor
Odorless
Merck
14,4673
Physicochemical Properties
This product is a white to light yellow fibrous or powdery solid, non-toxic, tasteless, and easily soluble in water. Insoluble in common organic solvents. It has thickening, suspending, binding, emulsifying, dispersing, and water-retention properties. Solutions of different viscosity ranges can be prepared. It exhibits unusually good salt solubility in electrolytes.