What is Hydroxyethyl Cellulose HEC CAS 9004-62-0?

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, also called HEC or hydroxyethylcellulose, is a nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether. It is supplied as a white to off-white powder and is mainly used as a thickener, water-retention agent, rheology modifier, stabilizer, and suspension aid in water-based systems.

What are the main applications of HEC?

HEC is used in water-based paints and coatings, construction and dry-mix materials, household and industrial cleaning products, personal-care formulations, and selected oilfield or specialty fluid systems. The specific grade should be matched to the formulation, processing method, and required performance.

How is the right Hydroxyethyl Cellulose viscosity grade selected?

Commercial HEC is available in a wide range of viscosity grades, so selection should be based on the target viscosity, dosage, water content, shear and processing conditions, salt or electrolyte level, and final application. Viscosity is usually tested in aqueous solution at a defined concentration, so grade comparisons should use the same test basis.

What solubility and pH behavior should be considered when using HEC?

HEC is soluble in hot and cold water and generally forms clear viscous solutions, while it is usually insoluble in common organic solvents. Its nonionic structure provides salt tolerance and compatibility with many surfactants and electrolytes, and commercial grades are generally stable over a broad pH range; exact pH stability can vary by grade and manufacturer.

How is HEC different from CMC or HPMC?

HEC is a nonionic hydroxyethyl-substituted cellulose ether, while CMC is typically an anionic carboxymethyl cellulose and HPMC is a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose ether. These structural differences affect ionic character, salt sensitivity, gelation behavior, and formulation selection, so they should not be treated as interchangeable without testing.

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) CAS 9004-62-0

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC), also called hydroxyethylcellulose, CAS 9004-62-0, a nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether supplied as a white to off-white powder, is positioned as a thickener, water-retention agent, rheology modifier, and stabilizer. Confirm the required viscosity grade, then request a quotation with COA/TDS/SDS for bulk supply.

CAS: 9004-62-0
Synonyms: HEC; Hydroxyethyl Cellulose; Hydroxyethylcellulose
Grade: Industrial / paint / construction / detergent / cosmetic grade
Package: Standard export packaging

Request a quote

Share:

Product Description

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) CAS 9004-62-0 is a nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether.

Synonyms: Hydroxyethylcellulose; HEC.

CAS: 9004-62-0.

Molecular formula: Not applicable (cellulose ether polymer).

It is supplied as a white to off-white powder.

It is produced by hydroxyethyl substitution of cellulose.

It is positioned as a thickener, water-retention agent, rheology modifier, stabilizer, and suspension aid.

It is commonly used in water-based paints and coatings, construction and dry-mix materials, cleaning products, and personal-care formulations.

It is soluble in hot and cold water and generally forms clear viscous solutions.

Its nonionic structure provides salt tolerance and broad compatibility with surfactants and electrolytes.

Confirm viscosity grade, dosage, water content, shear conditions, and final application.

Check solubility, pH stability, and compatibility with the formulation system.

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and heat.

Use appropriate PPE and prevent dust, spills, or contamination.

Confirm packaging suitable for the powder form and order quantity, and follow the current SDS.

Every batch is checked for viscosity, appearance, moisture, pH, and related properties, with COA/TDS/SDS supplied per grade.

Confirm viscosity grade, packaging, and grade as required.

The page is an RFQ entry point and does not state stock, price, MOQ, or fixed lead time.

For an RFQ, state the intended application, required grade, quantity, packaging, destination, and document needs.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is Hydroxyethyl Cellulose HEC CAS 9004-62-0?

A: Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, also called HEC or hydroxyethylcellulose, is a nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether. It is supplied as a white to off-white powder and is mainly used as a thickener, water-retention agent, rheology modifier, stabilizer, and suspension aid in water-based systems.
Q:
What are the main applications of HEC?

A: HEC is used in water-based paints and coatings, construction and dry-mix materials, household and industrial cleaning products, personal-care formulations, and selected oilfield or specialty fluid systems. The specific grade should be matched to the formulation, processing method, and required performance.
Q:
How is the right Hydroxyethyl Cellulose viscosity grade selected?

A: Commercial HEC is available in a wide range of viscosity grades, so selection should be based on the target viscosity, dosage, water content, shear and processing conditions, salt or electrolyte level, and final application. Viscosity is usually tested in aqueous solution at a defined concentration, so grade comparisons should use the same test basis.
Q:
What solubility and pH behavior should be considered when using HEC?

A: HEC is soluble in hot and cold water and generally forms clear viscous solutions, while it is usually insoluble in common organic solvents. Its nonionic structure provides salt tolerance and compatibility with many surfactants and electrolytes, and commercial grades are generally stable over a broad pH range; exact pH stability can vary by grade and manufacturer.
Q:
How is HEC different from CMC or HPMC?

A: HEC is a nonionic hydroxyethyl-substituted cellulose ether, while CMC is typically an anionic carboxymethyl cellulose and HPMC is a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose ether. These structural differences affect ionic character, salt sensitivity, gelation behavior, and formulation selection, so they should not be treated as interchangeable without testing.

Ordering & Documentation

Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.

Documents

COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.

Quotation

Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.

Sample & Supply

Support is available for samples, trial orders, bulk and repeat supply.

Storage & Shipping

Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.

Current Language

Change Language