Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), also known as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Hypromellose), CAS number 9004-65-3, is a non-ionic cellulose mixed ether. It is a semi-synthetic polymer compound produced from natural cellulose (refined cotton or wood pulp) through alkalization and etherification reactions. It is odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic, appearing as a white to off-white powder or loose fibrous solid.
As one of the most widely used cellulose ethers, HPMC is widely used in many fields such as building materials, pharmaceuticals, food, daily chemicals, and petrochemicals due to its excellent thickening, water retention, film formation, binding and rheology regulation properties. It is known as the "industrial MSG".