CAS 9004-62-0
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
CAS 9004-62-0C36H70O19806.9 g/mol
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a versatile water-soluble polymer commonly used as a thickening agent in a variety of applications, particularly in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. This product is supplied as a fine powder with a primary application as a viscosity modifier and stabilizer. It is utilized in formulations such as creams, lotions, and gels, thanks to its ability to enhance texture and improve product performance. With excellent solubility in water and a neutral pH, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is favored for its compatibility with various ingredients, providing stable formulations across different industries.
Main applicationCosmetic formulations — acts as a thickener and stabilizer in creams and lotions
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is significant in industries that require reliable thickening and stabilizing agents, particularly in personal care and pharmaceuticals. Its effectiveness in enhancing product performance meets the demands of modern formulations, making it essential for manufacturers looking to deliver high-quality products. Its neutral pH and excellent solubility ensure compatibility with various ingredients, streamlining production processes.
Also known as
- Cellulose hydroxyethylate
- HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE
- Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether
- 2-Hydroxyethyl cellulose ether
- Cellulosize
- Cellosize
- Natrosol
- Cellosize QP

Trade pricing
Quoted per enquiry
Pricing depends on volume, grade and delivery point. Our desk responds within two working hours.
Available packaging
- Available in 25 KG bags
Documentation
Batch-specific COA issued with every consignment.
Technical specifications
- CAS number
- 9004-62-0
- Chemical formula
- C36H70O19
- Molecular weight
- 806.9 g/mol
- Grade
- Technical grade
- Appearance
- Fine white powder
- Density
- 1.0033 g/cu cm
- Solubility
- Very soluble in water
- pH
- 7
- Melting Point
- Decomposes at 205ºC
- Density
- 1.0033 g/cm³
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (CAS 9004-62-0) features a molecular formula of C36H70O19 and a molecular weight of 806.9 g/mol. It is a non-ionic cellulose derivative, obtained through the etherification of cellulose with ethylene oxide. With a specific gravity of approximately 1.0033 g/cm³, HEC exhibits excellent solubility in water, forming clear, viscous solutions. The product decomposes at or above 205ºC. When ordering, buyers should specify the required viscosity and concentration as HEC can come in different grades tailored for precise applications.
Delivery
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is dispatched from our Nairobi warehouse across Kenya, and export delivery is arranged to the wider East African market. Lead time depends on quantity and grade and is confirmed with your quotation — see delivery and collection for the towns we reach and how dispatch works.
Applications & uses
- Cosmetic formulations — acts as a thickener and stabilizer in creams and lotions
- Pharmaceuticals — used as a binding and thickening agent in various medications
- Detergents — improves the viscosity and stability of liquid cleaning products
- Food processing — serves as a food additive for thickening and emulsification
- Construction — employed in adhesives and sealants for enhanced performance
Industries we supply this to
Why buy this from Sparks
- Improves texture — enhances the feel of cosmetic products
- Increases viscosity — contributes to the desired thickness in applications
- Enhances stability — ensures that formulations remain effective over time
- Facilitates product performance — allows for better application of creams and gels
- Versatile usage — suitable for a broad range of industries and applications
Quality assurance
- Batches are checked against the specification values listed above before dispatch.
State what your process, auditor or customs clearance requires when you request a quotation, and it is confirmed with the quote.
Safety, handling & storage
Always consult the full Safety Data Sheet before handling. Personnel must use appropriate PPE and follow local regulations for storage, transport and disposal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose?
The CAS registry number for Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is 9004-62-0. Its chemical formula is C36H70O19, with a molecular weight of 806.9 g/mol. Quote this number when requesting a quotation or checking documentation, as it identifies the substance unambiguously regardless of the trade name used.
What are the other names for Hydroxyethyl Cellulose?
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is also referred to as Cellulose hydroxyethylate, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether, 2-Hydroxyethyl cellulose ether, Cellulosize and Cellosize. These names describe the same substance, so a specification or enquiry written against any of them can be matched to this product.
What grade of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is supplied?
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is supplied as Technical grade. State the grade your process requires when requesting a quotation — where an alternative grade can be sourced, it is confirmed at quotation stage rather than assumed.
What does Hydroxyethyl Cellulose look like?
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is described as fine white powder. Appearance is a useful first check on receipt of goods, though it does not replace the certificate of analysis for confirming that the material meets specification.
What is Hydroxyethyl Cellulose used for?
Common applications include cosmetic formulations — acts as a thickener and stabilizer in creams and lotions, pharmaceuticals — used as a binding and thickening agent in various medications, detergents — improves the viscosity and stability of liquid cleaning products, food processing — serves as a food additive for thickening and emulsification and construction — employed in adhesives and sealants for enhanced performance. The suitability of the product for a particular process depends on the grade and specification required, which is worth confirming against your own process conditions.
Which industries use Hydroxyethyl Cellulose?
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is supplied to the Food Processing & Beverage, Construction & Admixtures, Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare, Cosmetics & Personal Care and Cleaning & Detergents sectors. These are the industries this product is listed against in our catalogue; if your application falls outside them, we can advise on suitability before you order.
What packaging is Hydroxyethyl Cellulose available in?
Available in 25 KG bags. Where a different pack size or bulk delivery is required, it is confirmed at quotation stage against availability rather than listed here as standard.
References
Technical information on this page was compiled from the following published sources. Safety and handling data always comes from the supplier’s own safety data sheet.
- 1.PubChem CID 4327536pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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