Skip to content
SupplyList
Menu

Ethylcellulose

Ethylcellulose suppliers and sourcing guide

Ethylcellulose is a cellulose ether made by treating purified cellulose from wood pulp or cotton linters with alkali and then ethyl chloride, which replaces some of its hydroxyl groups with ethoxy groups. Unlike most cellulose ethers it does not dissolve in water, but it does dissolve in ethanol and many organic solvents. It is sold as a white powder in grades set by ethoxy content and viscosity, and is used for tablet coatings, binders, microencapsulation and as a structuring agent for oils.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Ethyl cellulose · Cellulose ethyl ether · E462 · CAS 9004-57-3
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of ethylcellulose

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Viscosity grades

    Sold by the viscosity of a standard solution (for example 4, 10, 20, 45 or 100 mPa·s); low grades suit coatings and high grades suit matrices and films.

  • Aqueous dispersions

    Ready-made water-based ethylcellulose dispersions with plasticizer, used to coat tablets and beads without organic solvents.

  • Fine-particle grades

    Milled grades for direct compression and matrix tablets.

  • Pharmaceutical and food grades

    NF and Ph. Eur. grades for tablets and capsules, and food grades for flavor fixatives and oil structuring.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Identity
IR spectrum matched to a reference standard.
Ethoxy content (assay)
Ethoxy groups by gas chromatography after cleavage with hydriodic acid, reported against the grade range; it controls solubility and film properties.
Viscosity
Viscosity of a standard solution in a toluene and ethanol mixture, reported against the nominal grade.
Loss on drying and residue on ignition
Moisture and inorganic residue against the monograph limits.
Impurities and residual solvents
Limits such as acetaldehyde and chlorides, plus residual solvents by GC where applicable.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS against the supplier specification or the buyer's own limits.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store in closed containers in a cool, dry place away from heat and ignition sources, since the fine powder can form combustible dust. It is chemically stable; shelf life or retest date is set by the supplier, and aged stock is usually retested for viscosity and loss on drying.

Lots and expiry dates

Viscosity and ethoxy content vary within a grade range and change coating behavior and release from matrices. Record both per lot and avoid switching suppliers or grades mid-project without retesting finished product.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Ethylcellulose suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking ethylcellulose suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell ethylcellulose? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of ethylcellulose can brands buy?

Common forms include viscosity grades, aqueous dispersions, fine-particle grades and pharmaceutical and food grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for ethylcellulose include?

Expect identity, ethoxy content (assay), viscosity, loss on drying and residue on ignition, impurities and residual solvents and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should ethylcellulose be stored?

Store in closed containers in a cool, dry place away from heat and ignition sources, since the fine powder can form combustible dust. It is chemically stable; shelf life or retest date is set by the supplier, and aged stock is usually retested for viscosity and loss on drying.

What is the regulatory status of ethylcellulose?

21 CFR 172.868 permits ethyl cellulose 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 compounds. Under 21 CFR 172.868, the additive contains, on an anhydrous basis, not more than 2.6 ethoxy groups per anhydroglucose unit. GRN 470 (ethyl cellulose, notified by Dow Wolff Cellulosics for uses including thickening, film-forming and stabilization in a range of foods) closed on Dec 16, 2013 with FDA having no questions. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists ethyl cellulose with non-medicinal purposes including binder, coating agent, filler and film former.

More starches, carriers and excipients

All 37 starches, carriers and excipients

Sell ingredients to brands?

Request a free listing for the ingredients you make or distribute. No paid placement.

Request a listing