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CAS 9050-04-8 Disintegrant / Thickening Agent (Carmellose Calcium) Disintegrant / Thickening Agent (Carmellose Calcium)

Carboxymethylcellulose Calcium

IUPAC: Cellulose, carboxymethyl ether, calcium salt View on PubChem
CAS NUMBER
9050-04-8
MOL. FORMULA
Cellulose backbone with -OCH2COO? (Ca²?) substituents (polymer, variable DS)
MOL. WEIGHT
Variable (high-MW polymer)
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Scientific Overview

Unlike the water-soluble sodium salt, calcium CMC is only slightly soluble and instead swells substantially in water, giving it strong wicking and disintegrant properties in compressed tablet formulations. It is also used as a bulk-forming laxative ingredient and a thickener in certain oral suspensions.

Carboxymethylcellulose Calcium (Carmellose Calcium) is the insoluble calcium salt of carboxymethylcellulose, used as a tablet disintegrant and viscosity-modifying agent that swells on contact with water without fully dissolving.

Full Technical Data
Chemical Name Carboxymethylcellulose Calcium (Carmellose Calcium)
CAS Number 9050-04-8
IUPAC Name Cellulose, carboxymethyl ether, calcium salt
Molecular Formula Cellulose backbone with -OCH2COO? (Ca²?) substituents (polymer, variable DS)
Molecular Weight Variable (high-MW polymer) g/mol
Reaction Scheme
Cellulose (from wood pulp or cotton linters)
Sodium Monochloroacetate
NA
Carboxymethylcellulose Calcium
NA
Commercial Applications

Tablet Disintegrant

Promotes rapid tablet breakup by swelling on contact with GI fluid, improving dissolution and bioavailability.

Bulk-Forming Laxative

Used as the active/functional ingredient in fiber-based laxative products.

Suspension Thickening Agent

Modifies viscosity and stabilizes solid particles in oral pharmaceutical suspensions.

Nutraceutical & Dietary Fiber Formulations

Functions as a soluble/insoluble fiber source in dietary supplement tablets and sachets.

Market Therapeutic Focus
DISINTEGRANT / THICKENING AGENT (CARMELLOSE CALCIUM) PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING SOLID ORAL DOSAGE MANUFACTURING GASTROENTEROLOGY THERAPEUTICS SPECIALTY EXCIPIENTS CRO/CDMO
Scientific Literature

Effect of Disintegrant Type Upon the Relationship Between Compressional Pressure and Dissolution Efficiency

Authors: Khan, K.A.; Rooke, D.J.

J. Pharm. Pharmacol.

DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.1976.tb04216.x

Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients: Carboxymethylcellulose Calcium Monograph

Authors: Rowe, R.C. et al.

Pharmaceutical Press

Cellulose Derivatives as Excipients in Pharmaceutical Formulations

Authors: Ghori, M.U.; Conway, B.R.

J. Pharm. Sci. Emerg. Drugs

DOI: 10.4172/2153-2435.1000230
Peer Queries & FAQs
How does Calcium CMC differ from Sodium CMC?
Calcium CMC is only slightly soluble and swells in water, giving strong disintegrant action, whereas Sodium CMC dissolves fully and is used mainly as a thickener and stabilizer.
Why is it used as a tablet disintegrant?
Its swelling action creates internal pressure within a compressed tablet, causing it to break apart quickly and release the drug for dissolution.
Is Carboxymethylcellulose Calcium used outside pharmaceuticals?
Yes, it also finds use as a dietary fiber supplement ingredient and in some food and industrial applications.
What is the recommended storage condition?
Store in a tightly sealed container at room temperature, protected from moisture.

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