What is Hydroxyethyl Cellulose CAS 9004-62-0?

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, also called HEC or 2-Hydroxyethyl cellulose, is a nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether made from alkali cellulose. It is mainly used as a thickener, rheology modifier, protective colloid and water-retention agent in water-based systems.

Why is the nonionic character of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose important?

Because HEC carries no ionic charge, it is compatible with high-salt systems, many surfactants and latex binders. It forms clear to slightly opalescent solutions and is less likely to precipitate or destabilize formulations where charged thickeners may fail.

What are the main applications of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose?

Common uses include water-based latex paints, architectural coatings, adhesives, cementitious construction products, joint compounds, oilfield fluids, detergents, shampoos and lotions. It provides viscosity control, anti-sag behavior, suspension stability and water retention.

Which Hydroxyethyl Cellulose specifications should be checked before ordering?

Confirm the viscosity grade or molecular-weight range, moisture, ash, pH, particle size, dissolution behavior and degree of substitution. A paint-grade HEC and a personal-care-grade HEC may have different viscosity and purity requirements, so the target application should determine the selected grade.

How should Hydroxyethyl Cellulose be dispersed or dissolved without lumps?

Disperse HEC gradually into water with agitation, preferably using a vortex or an eductor, then allow full hydration. Avoid dumping the powder rapidly into still water, because this can form gels on the surface and block further wetting.

What is the difference between Hydroxyethyl Cellulose and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose?

HEC, CAS 9004-62-0, is nonionic and often selected for high compatibility in paints, construction and personal-care formulations. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, CAS 9004-65-3, has different substitution chemistry and thermal gelation behavior, so grade selection should follow the required rheology, water retention and application temperature.

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose CAS 9004-62-0

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC), CAS 9004-62-0, is a nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether supplied as a thickener, rheology modifier and water-retention agent for coatings, construction, oilfield and personal-care applications. Confirm the required grade, then request a quotation with COA/TDS/SDS for bulk supply.

CAS: 9004-62-0
Synonyms: HEC, Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether, 2-Hydroxyethyl cellulose, Hydroxyethyl ether cellulose, Hydroxyethylcellulose
Einecs: 618-387-5
Molecular Formula: C₂₉H₅₂O₂₁
Grade: Industrial / Construction / Coating / Personal Care Grade
Package: 25 kg kraft paper bags with inner PE liner, jumbo bags or customized packing

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Product Description

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, CAS 9004-62-0, commonly abbreviated HEC, is a nonionic, water-soluble cellulose ether made from alkali cellulose; the EC/EINECS number is 618-387-5.

Synonyms: HEC; Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether; 2-Hydroxyethyl cellulose; Hydroxyethyl ether cellulose; Hydroxyethylcellulose.

CAS: 9004-62-0.

Representative molecular formula: C₂₉H₅₂O₂₁.

Molecular weight: about 736.7 (representative repeat unit).

EC number: 618-387-5.

It is a free-flowing white to off-white powder, odorless or with a slight characteristic smell, with an active content typically ≥99.0% (dry basis).

A 1–2% aqueous solution at 25 °C typically has a pH of 6.0–8.5; moisture is typically ≤5.0% and the apparent viscosity of a 2% solution is about 3,000–60,000 mPa·s depending on grade.

It is soluble in cold or hot water and insoluble in most organic solvents, with a bulk density of about 0.30–0.50 g/cm³, and it forms clear flexible films over a recommended pH range of about 4–11.

It is used as a thickener, rheology modifier and anti-sag agent in water-based latex paints, architectural coatings, and acrylic or styrene-acrylic emulsions.

It is used in cement and gypsum plasters, tile adhesives, grouts and self-leveling compounds for water retention, workability and reduced shrinkage.

It is used in oilfield drilling, completion and fracturing fluids, and as a thickener and stabilizer in detergents, shampoos and lotions.

Confirm the viscosity grade or molecular-weight range, moisture, ash, pH, particle size, dissolution behavior and degree of substitution; select paint, construction, oilfield or personal-care grade according to the application.

Store in tightly closed bags in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture, strong oxidizers and direct sunlight; disperse gradually into agitated water to avoid lumps and use suitable PPE.

Confirm the current product-specific specification.

Confirm packaging with the requested quantity and destination requirements.

Document requirements should be confirmed from the current specification, SDS, COA or other product-specific files.

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

For an RFQ, state the intended use, required specification, quantity, packaging, destination and document needs.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

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

A: Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, also called HEC or 2-Hydroxyethyl cellulose, is a nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether made from alkali cellulose. It is mainly used as a thickener, rheology modifier, protective colloid and water-retention agent in water-based systems.
Q:
Why is the nonionic character of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose important?

A: Because HEC carries no ionic charge, it is compatible with high-salt systems, many surfactants and latex binders. It forms clear to slightly opalescent solutions and is less likely to precipitate or destabilize formulations where charged thickeners may fail.
Q:
What are the main applications of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose?

A: Common uses include water-based latex paints, architectural coatings, adhesives, cementitious construction products, joint compounds, oilfield fluids, detergents, shampoos and lotions. It provides viscosity control, anti-sag behavior, suspension stability and water retention.
Q:
Which Hydroxyethyl Cellulose specifications should be checked before ordering?

A: Confirm the viscosity grade or molecular-weight range, moisture, ash, pH, particle size, dissolution behavior and degree of substitution. A paint-grade HEC and a personal-care-grade HEC may have different viscosity and purity requirements, so the target application should determine the selected grade.
Q:
How should Hydroxyethyl Cellulose be dispersed or dissolved without lumps?

A: Disperse HEC gradually into water with agitation, preferably using a vortex or an eductor, then allow full hydration. Avoid dumping the powder rapidly into still water, because this can form gels on the surface and block further wetting.
Q:
What is the difference between Hydroxyethyl Cellulose and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose?

A: HEC, CAS 9004-62-0, is nonionic and often selected for high compatibility in paints, construction and personal-care formulations. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, CAS 9004-65-3, has different substitution chemistry and thermal gelation behavior, so grade selection should follow the required rheology, water retention and application temperature.

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