Croscarmellose Sodium
The cross-linked cellulose-ether superdisintegrant supplied by Chelora Chemicals — the standard rapid-swelling disintegrant behind fast-dissolving tablet and capsule formulation — exported from Indonesia in bags with full batch documentation on every shipment.
What Croscarmellose Sodium is, and why buyers source it
A working overview of the material's chemistry, its role as a rapid-swelling superdisintegrant, and the grade Chelora Chemicals keeps in regular supply.
Croscarmellose Sodium is carboxymethylcellulose sodium that has been chemically cross-linked, converting the normally water-soluble polymer into a water-insoluble but highly water-swellable network. That cross-linked, fibrous structure is what gives it its signature superdisintegrant behaviour: it does not dissolve away but instead swells rapidly and dramatically on contact with water, physically breaking apart the surrounding tablet matrix.
It is a white to greyish-white, fibrous or granular, free-flowing powder, insoluble in water but capable of absorbing many times its own weight in water with rapid swelling. It is chemically and physically stable under normal pharmaceutical storage conditions, though it should be kept dry since its performance depends on being able to absorb water rapidly on demand rather than during storage.
Where it fits in the formulation chain
Croscarmellose Sodium's primary use is as a superdisintegrant in tablet and capsule formulation, added at low levels (typically 0.5–5% w/w) either intragranularly, extragranularly, or both, to promote fast and complete tablet disintegration and drug release. It is widely used in both direct-compression and wet-granulation tablets, and is one of the most commonly specified disintegrants in fast-dissolving and immediate-release formulations.
Grade we supply
Chelora Chemicals offers Croscarmellose Sodium compliant with USP/EP/JP monographs, suitable for direct-compression and wet-granulation tablet and capsule disintegrant applications, supplied with a batch-wise certificate of analysis.
How Croscarmellose Sodium is made
An overview of the production route for orientation purposes. Our manufacturing partners' own process parameters and in-process controls are proprietary and are not disclosed beyond what is needed to interpret the certificate of analysis.
Croscarmellose Sodium is manufactured by first preparing carboxymethylcellulose sodium from alkali-treated cellulose reacted with sodium chloroacetate, and then chemically cross-linking selected chains of that polymer, typically under controlled acidic conditions, to render the normally soluble carboxymethylcellulose insoluble while retaining its strong water-absorbing character. The cross-linked product is then purified, dried and milled to the required particle-size grade.
Why controlled cross-linking is the defining step
Cross-linking is what converts an ordinary water-soluble cellulose ether into an insoluble, rapidly swelling superdisintegrant, and controlling the degree of cross-linking precisely is what gives croscarmellose sodium its characteristic fast, high-capacity water uptake, which is why this step, rather than the base carboxymethylcellulose synthesis, defines the finished excipient's performance.
Industries and processes that use it
Croscarmellose Sodium is consumed almost entirely in tablet and capsule disintegrant applications, where its rapid, high-capacity swelling is the main draw. The fields below account for most of the demand we see through our export desk.
Tablet Superdisintegrant
Added intragranularly, extragranularly, or both, at low levels to promote fast, complete tablet disintegration and drug release on contact with gastrointestinal fluid.
Fast-Dissolving & Orally Disintegrating Tablets
A commonly specified disintegrant in fast-dissolving and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) formulations, where very rapid disintegration is a key performance requirement.
Hard Capsule Disintegration
Used in hard-capsule formulations to promote rapid breakup of the powder or granule fill once the capsule shell dissolves.
Wet-Granulation Formulations
Used intragranularly in wet-granulation tablet formulations to maintain fast disintegration despite the densifying effect of granulation.
How the molecule is typically carried forward
The insoluble, cross-linked fibrous network governs almost all of this material's functional behaviour as a disintegrant. The mechanisms below account for most of how Croscarmellose Sodium performs its disintegration role.
Cross-Linking (Upstream)
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium chains are chemically cross-linked to form the insoluble, water-swellable network that defines croscarmellose sodium.
Rapid Water Wicking (Capillary Action)
On contact with aqueous fluid, the fibrous particle structure wicks water into the tablet matrix rapidly by capillary action, the first step in disintegration.
Swelling (Volume Expansion)
The cross-linked network absorbs many times its own weight in water and swells dramatically in volume without dissolving, generating the mechanical force that breaks the tablet apart.
Tablet Matrix Rupture
The swelling force exceeds the binding strength holding the tablet together, rupturing the compact and releasing the active ingredient for dissolution.
Croscarmellose Sodium against other amines we supply
Buyers sourcing Croscarmellose Sodium for tablet or capsule disintegrant applications often need a related tableting excipient. A quick reference to what else is on our regular supply list.
| Product | CAS Number | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Croscarmellose Sodium | 74811-65-7 | Cellulose-based superdisintegrant | The product on this page — the standard rapid-swelling tablet disintegrant. |
| Sodium Starch Glycolate | 9063-38-1 | Starch-based superdisintegrant | The related starch-based superdisintegrant often compared in formulation development — see its product page. |
| Microcrystalline Cellulose | 9004-34-6 | Purified crystalline cellulose | The standard diluent commonly formulated alongside croscarmellose sodium — see its product page. |
| Povidone (PVP K30) | 9003-39-8 | Synthetic vinyl polymer binder | A related tablet-formulation excipient commonly used alongside croscarmellose sodium — see its product page. |
Exact physical constants and purity specifications are confirmed per batch on the certificate of analysis — treat the notes above as a sourcing guide, not a specification sheet, for products other than Croscarmellose Sodium.
Safety classification at a glance
Based on GHS classification as commonly listed for this substance. This is a summary for orientation only — always work from the current safety data sheet supplied with your specific batch.
Not classified as hazardous under GHS; a long-established, widely used pharmaceutical excipient.
Fine powder may cause transient mechanical irritation to eyes or respiratory tract; handle with standard dust control.
No significant acute toxicity hazard under normal pharmaceutical handling.
Absorbs water rapidly; avoid unintended contact with moisture during handling and storage to preserve performance.
Standard dust mask and gloves are sufficient for routine handling in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
Keep dry and sealed; premature moisture exposure can impair swelling performance when used in a formulation.
Follow standard pharmaceutical good manufacturing practice (GMP) for handling and cross-contamination control.
Not Classified — no GHS hazard pictogram applies to this excipient.
This material is not classified as hazardous under GHS and presents no significant acute toxicity hazard under normal pharmaceutical handling, though fine powder may cause transient mechanical irritation to eyes or the respiratory tract and should be handled with standard dust control. Because its function depends on absorbing water rapidly on demand, unintended moisture exposure during storage should be avoided to preserve its disintegrant performance. Full handling and storage guidance is in the MSDS issued with every shipment, and standard pharmaceutical GMP practice should be followed.
Keeping it on spec between delivery and use
General storage guidance for this grade. Site-specific storage rules, segregation requirements and re-test intervals should follow your own EHS procedures and the MSDS issued with your batch.
Store in a cool, dry area in tightly sealed, moisture-barrier packaging, away from humid storage conditions, since premature water exposure can impair the material's swelling performance when later used in a formulation. Prompt resealing of opened containers is essential. If a batch is held past its retest date, re-check water-absorption capacity and moisture content before use.
How it ships from Indonesia
Standard packing and export terms for this product. Confirm exact figures against your order — they vary slightly by destination and quantity.
What travels with every batch
Specification is agreed before the purchase order, not discovered on arrival. Every shipment of Croscarmellose Sodium leaves with a documented, checkable paper trail.
Certificate of Analysis
Batch-wise assay (by titration/GC), colour and relevant physical constants, issued against the agreed specification so your QC team can check it, not just file it.
Safety Data Sheet
GHS-format SDS in English covering hazard classification, handling, storage, first-aid and spill response for the exact grade of Croscarmellose Sodium shipped.
Technical Data Sheet
Reference physical and chemical properties, recommended storage and typical applications, for internal circulation to your process or R&D teams.
Certificate of Origin
Confirms Indonesian origin for customs clearance and any preferential-duty claim at your destination port.
Dangerous Goods Declaration
UN packing group, classification and shipper's declaration prepared ahead of loading so documentation never holds up customs.
Third-Party Inspection
Independent pre-shipment inspection and re-sampling can be arranged on request, at your cost, for buyers who require it as a matter of policy.
Frequently asked questions
What buyers most often ask our sales desk about this grade.
01What is Croscarmellose Sodium used for?+
02What is the CAS number of Croscarmellose Sodium?+
03How is Croscarmellose Sodium made?+
04What grade does Chelora Chemicals supply?+
05How does Croscarmellose Sodium work as a disintegrant?+
06Is Croscarmellose Sodium hazardous?+
07What packing options are available?+
08How long does delivery take?+
09Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?+
10Do you supply Sodium Starch Glycolate as well?+
Need Croscarmellose Sodium on spec, on time?
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