Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)
The versatile cellulose-ether polymer supplied by Chelora Chemicals — known in the trade as HPMC, used across tablet film coating, binder and sustained-release matrix formulation — exported from Indonesia in bags with full batch documentation on every shipment.
What Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is, and why buyers source it
A working overview of the polymer's chemistry, its multiple roles across coating, binding and release-modification, and the grades Chelora Chemicals keeps in regular supply.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is a cellulose ether in which some of the hydroxyl groups along the cellulose backbone have been substituted with methyl and hydroxypropyl ether groups. That mixed substitution pattern gives it water solubility across a wide pH range, strong film-forming ability, and the capacity to form a viscous gel layer on hydration — three distinct properties that let the same polymer family serve coating, binding and controlled-release roles depending on the viscosity grade selected.
It is a white to off-white, fibrous or granular, odourless powder, soluble in cold water (forming a viscous colloidal solution) and in some organic solvent mixtures, though it is insoluble in hot water, where it instead gels. It is chemically and physically stable under normal pharmaceutical storage conditions, with moisture control important for maintaining viscosity and handling consistency.
Where it fits in the formulation chain
HPMC's three largest uses, corresponding to different viscosity grades, are as a film-coating polymer for tablets (where low- to mid-viscosity grades form an aesthetic, protective film), as a binder in wet-granulation tablet manufacture, and as a rate-controlling gel-forming matrix polymer in sustained-release and controlled-release tablet formulations (where higher-viscosity grades slow drug release by forming a swelling, eroding gel layer).
Grades we supply
Chelora Chemicals offers Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose across the standard viscosity-grade range compliant with USP/EP/JP monographs, suitable for film-coating, binder and sustained-release matrix applications, supplied with a batch-wise certificate of analysis.
How Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) 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.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is manufactured by treating purified wood-pulp or cotton-linter cellulose with alkali, then reacting the alkali-swollen cellulose with methyl chloride and propylene oxide under controlled conditions to introduce the methyl and hydroxypropyl ether substituents respectively. The degree and ratio of substitution, together with the degree of polymerisation, determine the final product's solubility behaviour and viscosity grade.
Why controlled etherification defines the viscosity-grade family
Because both the substitution pattern (methoxy/hydroxypropoxy ratio) and the molecular weight can be independently tuned during manufacture, producers can offer a single chemical family spanning a huge viscosity range, from low-viscosity coating grades to very high-viscosity sustained-release matrix grades, all under the same HPMC designation.
Industries and processes that use it
HPMC is consumed across tablet coating, binding and controlled-release matrix manufacture, where its tunable viscosity-grade family is the main draw. The fields below account for most of the demand we see through our export desk.
Tablet Film Coating
Low- to mid-viscosity grades are dissolved in water or hydro-alcoholic solvent to form an aesthetic, moisture-protective film coating on tablets, often with added plasticiser and colourant.
Wet-Granulation Binder
Used as a binder in wet-granulation tablet manufacture, dissolved in the granulating fluid to bind powder particles into strong, compressible granules.
Sustained & Controlled-Release Matrix
Higher-viscosity grades form a swelling, slowly eroding gel layer around the tablet core on hydration, controlling the rate of drug release over an extended period.
Ophthalmic & Topical Formulations
Used as a viscosity-modifying and lubricating agent in ophthalmic solutions and some topical semi-solid formulations.
How the molecule is typically carried forward
The mixed methyl/hydroxypropyl substitution pattern governs almost all of this polymer's functional behaviour across its different formulation roles. The mechanisms below account for most of how HPMC performs its coating, binding and release-controlling functions.
Alkaline Etherification (Upstream)
Cellulose is etherified with methyl chloride and propylene oxide under alkaline conditions to introduce the substituent groups that define a given HPMC grade.
Cold-Water Dissolution & Film Formation
Dissolved in cold water to form a viscous solution that, when applied to a tablet surface and dried, forms a continuous, adherent protective film.
Hot Gelation (Thermal Gelling)
Forms a gel rather than dissolving in hot water, a property exploited in some specialty controlled-release and hot-melt processing applications.
Hydration-Driven Gel-Layer Formation (Sustained Release)
On contact with gastrointestinal fluid, higher-viscosity grades hydrate at the tablet surface to form a swelling, slowly eroding gel layer that controls drug diffusion and release rate.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) against other amines we supply
Buyers sourcing HPMC for coating, binding or sustained-release applications often need a related tablet-formulation polymer. A quick reference to what else is on our regular supply list.
| Product | CAS Number | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose | 9004-65-3 | Cellulose-ether binder, film-former & release-modifier | The product on this page — a versatile, multi-grade formulation polymer. |
| Povidone (PVP K30) | 9003-39-8 | Synthetic vinyl polymer binder | Another widely used tablet binder and film-coating polymer — see its product page. |
| Microcrystalline Cellulose | 9004-34-6 | Purified crystalline cellulose | The standard diluent often formulated alongside HPMC — see its product page. |
| Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) | 25322-68-3 | Polyether plasticiser & base | A common plasticiser used in HPMC-based film-coating formulations — 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 Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC).
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.
Spilled solutions can be slippery underfoot given the polymer's viscosity-building character; clean up promptly.
Standard dust mask and gloves are sufficient for routine handling in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
Keep dry and sealed to maintain viscosity and powder handling consistency.
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. Spilled solutions can be slippery underfoot given the polymer's viscosity-building character and should be cleaned up promptly. 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 moisture pickup can affect powder handling and solution viscosity. Prompt resealing of opened containers is recommended. If a batch is held past its retest date, re-check viscosity 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 Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) 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 Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) 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 Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose used for?+
02What is the CAS number of HPMC?+
03How is HPMC made?+
04What grades does Chelora Chemicals supply?+
05Why does HPMC come in so many different viscosity grades?+
06Is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose hazardous?+
07What packing options are available?+
08How long does delivery take?+
09Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?+
10Do you supply Povidone and PEG as well?+
Need Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) on spec, on time?
Send us your required purity, quantity, packing preference and destination port. Our desk quotes most enquiries within one working day.