karboximetil

Carboxymethyl is a term that typically refers to a derivative of cellulose or starch where carboxymethyl groups (-CH2COOH) have been introduced onto the polymer backbone. The most common form is carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), often referred to as cellulose gum. It is a water-soluble anionic polymer.

Carboxymethyl cellulose is produced by reacting cellulose with sodium chloroacetate in the presence of an alkali. This process replaces some of the hydroxyl groups on the cellulose with carboxymethyl groups. The degree of substitution, which refers to the average number of carboxymethyl groups per anhydroglucose unit, influences the properties of the resulting CMC.

CMC finds widespread use across various industries due to its versatility. It functions as a thickener, stabilizer, binder, and emulsifier. In the food industry, it is used in ice cream, baked goods, and beverages to improve texture and prevent ice crystal formation. In pharmaceuticals, it serves as a disintegrant and binder in tablets and as a viscosity modifier in liquid formulations. It is also employed in personal care products like toothpaste and lotions, as well as in paper manufacturing, textiles, and detergents. Carboxymethyl starch is similarly used, primarily as a thickener and binder in food and pharmaceutical applications.