Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC)
The purified, partially depolymerised cellulose supplied by Chelora Chemicals — known in the trade as MCC, the workhorse tablet diluent and binder behind direct-compression and wet-granulation solid-dose manufacture — exported from Indonesia in bags with full batch documentation on every shipment.
What Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) is, and why buyers source it
A working overview of the material's chemistry, its role as the standard tablet diluent and binder, and the grades Chelora Chemicals keeps in regular supply.
Microcrystalline Cellulose is produced by controlled acid hydrolysis of natural cellulose (typically from wood pulp), which selectively removes the amorphous regions of the cellulose fibre while leaving behind the crystalline microstructure intact. The result is a free-flowing, highly compressible powder that retains cellulose's chemical inertness but with dramatically improved tableting performance.
It is a white, odourless, tasteless powder with excellent flow and compressibility, insoluble in water but capable of dispersing to form a viscous, opalescent suspension at higher concentrations. It is chemically and physically stable under normal pharmaceutical storage conditions and is compatible with most common active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients.
Where it fits in the formulation chain
MCC's largest use is as a multifunctional tablet excipient, acting simultaneously as a diluent (bulking agent), binder and disintegrant aid in both direct-compression and wet-granulation tablet manufacture. Different particle-size and moisture grades (such as PH-101 for wet granulation and PH-102 for direct compression) are selected to match the specific manufacturing process and formulation needs.
Grades we supply
Chelora Chemicals offers Microcrystalline Cellulose in the standard pharmacopoeial particle-size grades (fine, e.g. PH-101, and coarser direct-compression grades, e.g. PH-102) compliant with USP/EP/JP monographs, supplied with a batch-wise certificate of analysis.
How Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) 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.
Microcrystalline Cellulose is manufactured by subjecting purified wood-pulp cellulose to controlled hydrolysis with dilute mineral acid, which preferentially attacks and removes the amorphous regions of the cellulose fibre while leaving the crystalline regions largely intact. The resulting microcrystal aggregates are then washed, spray-dried (or otherwise dried) and milled to the required particle-size grade.
Why controlled acid hydrolysis is the standard process
Controlled acid hydrolysis is the only commercially practical way to selectively strip the amorphous cellulose regions while preserving the crystalline microstructure that gives MCC its unique combination of flowability and compressibility, which is why it has been the standard production method since MCC was first commercialised.
Industries and processes that use it
Microcrystalline Cellulose is consumed across solid oral dosage-form manufacture, where its multifunctional role as diluent, binder and disintegrant aid is the main draw. The fields below account for most of the demand we see through our export desk.
Direct-Compression Tableting
Used as the primary diluent and binder in direct-compression tablet formulations, valued for excellent flow and compressibility without a separate granulation step.
Wet-Granulation Tableting
Used as a diluent and binder in wet-granulation formulations, where finer grades such as PH-101 are typically selected for their granulation performance.
Capsule Filling
Used as a diluent in hard-capsule formulations to achieve the desired fill weight and flow characteristics for capsule-filling machinery.
Pelletisation & Extrusion-Spheronisation
Used as a spheronisation aid in multiparticulate pellet manufacture, contributing to pellet sphericity and mechanical strength.
How the molecule is typically carried forward
The crystalline cellulose microstructure, with its network of hydrogen-bonded microfibrils, governs almost all of this material's functional behaviour in solid dosage forms. The mechanisms below account for most of how MCC performs its tableting role.
Plastic Deformation Under Compression
Under compression force, MCC particles undergo plastic deformation and form new hydrogen bonds between exposed microfibril surfaces, the key mechanism behind its excellent compressibility.
Capillary Water Uptake (Disintegration Aid)
Its porous microstructure draws water into the tablet matrix by capillary action, contributing to tablet disintegration alongside dedicated disintegrants.
Particle Rearrangement & Flow
Its generally spherical or near-spherical aggregate particle shape gives good powder flow, important for die filling in high-speed tablet presses.
Controlled Acid Hydrolysis (Upstream)
Wood-pulp cellulose is hydrolysed under controlled acid conditions to remove amorphous regions and yield microcrystalline cellulose itself.
Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) against other amines we supply
Buyers sourcing MCC for tablet, capsule or pellet manufacture often need a related tableting excipient. A quick reference to what else is on our regular supply list.
| Product | CAS Number | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microcrystalline Cellulose | 9004-34-6 | Purified crystalline cellulose | The product on this page — the standard multifunctional tablet diluent and binder. |
| Croscarmellose Sodium | 74811-65-7 | Cellulose-based superdisintegrant | A related cellulose-derived superdisintegrant often formulated alongside MCC — see its product page. |
| Sodium Starch Glycolate | 9063-38-1 | Starch-based superdisintegrant | An alternative superdisintegrant commonly used in MCC-based formulations — see its product page. |
| Magnesium Stearate | 557-04-0 | Tablet lubricant | The standard lubricant used alongside MCC in most tablet 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 Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC).
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.
Not readily combustible in bulk form, though fine dust clouds should be managed per standard combustible-dust practice.
Standard dust mask and gloves are sufficient for routine handling in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
Keep dry and sealed to maintain compressibility and prevent microbial growth in humid conditions.
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. Storage should keep the material dry and sealed to maintain compressibility and prevent microbial growth in humid conditions. 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 original packaging, away from moisture and strong oxidizing agents, to maintain compressibility and microbiological quality. As a chemically inert, non-hygroscopic (within normal limits) powder it is comparatively straightforward to store and handle under standard pharmaceutical warehousing conditions. If a batch is held past its retest date, re-check moisture content and particle size 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 Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) 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 Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) 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 Microcrystalline Cellulose used for?+
02What is the CAS number of MCC?+
03How is Microcrystalline Cellulose made?+
04What grades does Chelora Chemicals supply?+
05Why are different MCC particle-size grades used?+
06Is Microcrystalline Cellulose hazardous?+
07What packing options are available?+
08How long does delivery take?+
09Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?+
10Do you supply Croscarmellose Sodium and Magnesium Stearate as well?+
Need Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) on spec, on time?
Send us your required purity, quantity, packing preference and destination port. Our desk quotes most enquiries within one working day.