Ethyl cellulose

Ethyl cellulose (CAS 9004-57-3), also known by its food designation E462, is a cellulose-derived thermoplastic polymer used as a film former, binder, and rheology modifier.

Where is Ethyl cellulose used?

• Pharmaceuticals: controlled-release tablet coatings and pellet encapsulation that regulates dissolution rates
• Printing inks: fast-drying, abrasion-resistant films on flexible packaging
• Coatings and adhesives: moisture-resistant barrier layers and hot-melt adhesion on paper, foil, and plastic
• Food: glazing agent under E462 and microencapsulation matrix for flavors and sensitive ingredients
• EC grades span a broad viscosity range, allowing formulators to tailor coating thickness, release profiles, and film integrity.
• Used as a fat substitute in low-fat food products, contributing to texture and mouthfeel without adding excess calories.
• Oleogels are made by dissolving ethyl cellulose in oil above its glass transition temperature of about 130–140 °C and then cooling the mixture.
• On cheese, forms a semipermeable rind that limits drying out during ripening.
• In gluten-free bread, provides structure and moisture retention.

Formulation notes

• Peer-reviewed studies demonstrate firm, spreadable textures in oleogels at a concentration range of 8–14%.
• Stable and resistant to alkalis and salts, but more sensitive to acids than cellulose esters.
• Forms anhydrous organogels from edible oil at concentrations above 3 wt%.

Typical specification

• Food-grade ethyl cellulose must have an ethoxyl content of 44–50% on a dry basis, corresponding to at most 2.6 ethoxyl groups per anhydroglucose unit.
• Insoluble in water and soluble in ethanol, ethyl acetate, toluene and oils.
• Food and feed viscosity grades range from 4 to 100 mPa·s, while pharmaceutical grades range from 4 to 300 mPa·s.
• Food-grade complies with FCC, USP, EP and JP standards and is manufactured under cGMP (21 CFR).
• For thin coatings or flavor encapsulation, a low viscosity grade of about 4–10 mPa·s is selected.
• For edible films or oleogels, a medium viscosity grade of about 20–45 mPa·s is selected.
• N100 has an ethoxyl content of 47.5-49.5%.

Regulatory status

• The EU permits E462 as a coating agent for solid food supplements, as a microencapsulating agent for colors and flavors, as an emulsion stabilizer in salad dressings, and as a barrier layer in pizza dough preparations.
• The FDA permits ethyl cellulose under 21 CFR 172.868 as a binder and filler in dry vitamin preparations, as a component of protective coatings for vitamin and mineral tablets, and as a fixative in flavoring substances.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from moisture and excessive heat.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.