Sodium starch glycolate

Sodium Starch Glycolate (CAS 9063-38-1), also known by the abbreviations CMS-Na and trade names Explotab and Primojel, is a sodium salt of carboxymethyl ether of starch. It belongs to the polymers and resins category and functions primarily as a superdisintegrant and rheology modifier in solid dosage manufacturing.

In pharmaceutical tablet production, it absorbs water rapidly and swells to several times its original volume, rupturing compressed tablets within minutes to release active ingredients. In topical and cosmetic formulations, it acts as a thickener and carrier, modifying flow behaviour and stabilising suspension systems at low use concentrations.

Sodium Starch Glycolate is available in pharmaceutical-grade form compliant with Ph.Eur. and USP-NF monographs, and is subject to REACH registration within the EU. It is supplied as a free-flowing powder, typically in multi-layer paper or fibre drum packaging suited to its hygroscopic nature.