Methyl cellulose (MC) made of the natural product

Methyl cellulose (MC) is a derivative of cellulose, which is a natural polymer found in the cell walls of plants. Cellulose is one of the most abundant organic compounds on Earth, primarily sourced from wood pulp and cotton fibers. MC is synthesized from cellulose through a series of chemical reactions that involve the substitution of hydroxyl groups (-OH) in the cellulose molecule with methyl groups (-CH3).

While MC itself is a chemically modified compound, its raw material, cellulose, is derived from natural sources. Cellulose can be extracted from various plant materials, including wood, cotton, hemp, and other fibrous plants. The cellulose undergoes processing to remove impurities and convert it into a usable form for the production of MC.

Once the cellulose is obtained, it undergoes etherification to introduce methyl groups onto the cellulose backbone, resulting in the formation of methyl cellulose. This process involves treating cellulose with a mixture of sodium hydroxide and methyl chloride under controlled conditions.

The resulting methyl cellulose is a white to off-white, odorless, and tasteless powder that is soluble in cold water and forms a viscous solution. It is widely used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and construction, for its thickening, stabilizing, and film-forming properties.

While MC is a chemically modified compound, it is derived from natural cellulose, making it a biodegradable and environmentally friendly option for many applications.