Hydroxypropylcellulose

Products

Hydroxypropyl cellulose is found in numerous drugs as an excipient, for example in gels and tablets.

Structure and properties

Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a partially -(2-hydroxypropylated) cellulose. It exists as a white to yellowish-white powder or granules and is hygroscopic when dried. Hydroxypropyl cellulose is soluble in cold water, but practically insoluble in hot water (from about 45°C). It is a chemically modified natural product.

Effects

Hydroxypropyl cellulose has viscosity-increasing, gel-forming, film-forming, binding, and emulsion-stabilizing properties, among others.

Areas of application

• As a gelling agent for increasing the viscosity of liquids, for the production of gels.
• For the production of tablets, especially as a binder (direct tableting or for granules), as a film former and for the matrix of sustained release tablets.
• As an additive for food.