Sodium Starch Glycolate (SSG)
The cross-linked, carboxymethylated potato- or corn-starch superdisintegrant supplied by Chelora Chemicals — known in the trade as SSG, a fast-swelling alternative to croscarmellose sodium in tablet and capsule formulation — exported from Indonesia in bags with full batch documentation on every shipment.
What Sodium Starch Glycolate (SSG) is, and why buyers source it
A working overview of the material's chemistry, its role as a rapid-swelling starch-based superdisintegrant, and the grade Chelora Chemicals keeps in regular supply.
Sodium Starch Glycolate is produced by carboxymethylating and lightly cross-linking natural starch (typically potato or corn starch), introducing carboxymethyl ether groups along the starch backbone and a controlled degree of cross-linking. The carboxymethyl groups make the material strongly hydrophilic, while the cross-linking keeps it from fully dissolving, giving a combination of rapid water uptake and dramatic swelling very similar in function to croscarmellose sodium, though built on a starch rather than cellulose backbone.
It is a white to off-white, free-flowing, essentially odourless 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, and like other superdisintegrants should be kept dry to preserve its on-demand swelling performance.
Where it fits in the formulation chain
SSG's primary use, like croscarmellose sodium, is as a superdisintegrant in tablet and capsule formulation, added at low levels (typically 2–8% w/w) to promote fast, complete disintegration and drug release. It is used in both direct-compression and wet-granulation tablets, and formulators often select between SSG and croscarmellose sodium based on specific compatibility, flow or regulatory considerations for a given formulation.
Grade we supply
Chelora Chemicals offers Sodium Starch Glycolate 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 Sodium Starch Glycolate (SSG) 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.
Sodium Starch Glycolate is manufactured by reacting natural starch (potato or corn) with sodium chloroacetate under alkaline conditions to introduce carboxymethyl ether groups along the starch chains, followed by a controlled cross-linking step, typically using a small amount of a cross-linking agent or by controlled heat treatment, to render the product insoluble while preserving its strong water-absorbing character.
Why carboxymethylation plus cross-linking defines the finished excipient
Carboxymethylation introduces the hydrophilic groups that drive rapid water uptake, while the subsequent cross-linking step prevents the material from simply dissolving away once wetted, and controlling both steps precisely is what gives sodium starch glycolate its characteristic fast, high-capacity swelling behaviour.
Industries and processes that use it
Sodium Starch Glycolate 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 at low levels, typically intragranularly, to promote fast, complete tablet disintegration and drug release on contact with gastrointestinal fluid.
Direct-Compression Formulations
Widely used in direct-compression tablet formulations where its free-flowing powder character suits straightforward powder blending.
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 carboxymethylated, cross-linked starch network governs almost all of this material's functional behaviour as a disintegrant. The mechanisms below account for most of how SSG performs its disintegration role.
Carboxymethylation & Cross-Linking (Upstream)
Starch chains are carboxymethylated with sodium chloroacetate and then cross-linked to form the insoluble, water-swellable network that defines SSG.
Rapid Water Wicking (Capillary Action)
On contact with aqueous fluid, the 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.
Sodium Starch Glycolate (SSG) against other amines we supply
Buyers sourcing SSG 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium Starch Glycolate | 9063-38-1 | Starch-based superdisintegrant | The product on this page — a fast-swelling, free-flowing tablet disintegrant. |
| Croscarmellose Sodium | 74811-65-7 | Cellulose-based superdisintegrant | The related cellulose-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 SSG — see its product page. |
| Mannitol | 69-65-8 | Sugar alcohol diluent | A related direct-compression diluent often formulated alongside SSG in chewable and ODT tablets — 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 Sodium Starch Glycolate (SSG).
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 Sodium Starch Glycolate (SSG) 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 Sodium Starch Glycolate (SSG) 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 Sodium Starch Glycolate used for?+
02What is the CAS number of SSG?+
03How is Sodium Starch Glycolate made?+
04What grade does Chelora Chemicals supply?+
05What is the difference between SSG and Croscarmellose Sodium?+
06Is Sodium Starch Glycolate 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 Mannitol as well?+
Need Sodium Starch Glycolate (SSG) on spec, on time?
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