Pharma Excipient · Tablet Superdisintegrant
Croscarmellose sodium (CCS), the cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose superdisintegrant that breaks tablets and capsules apart fast at just 0.5–5%. IP, BP, USP-NF and EP grades, supplied by Chelora Pharmachem, Mumbai, and delivered across India with a batch COA and SDS.
How Buying Works
Send the quantity, pharmacopoeia (IP, BP, USP-NF or EP), any particle-size need, delivery city and target date. Quote CAS 74811-65-7 so there is no confusion.
Price, lead time and packing in one reply, with the specification, COA and SDS/MSDS for your QA team to review.
Samples can be arranged for QC testing, disintegration and dissolution trials, and vendor qualification before your commercial order.
Packed, labelled and sent with invoice, batch COA and transport documents. Repeat orders are planned with you.
Product Overview
Croscarmellose sodium (CCS, cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium croscarmellose; CAS 74811-65-7) is the sodium salt of a cross-linked, partly O-carboxymethylated cellulose. It is made from purified wood or cotton cellulose and supplied as a white or greyish-white, odourless, free-flowing powder of short fibres. The cross-links make it insoluble in water, yet strongly hydrophilic, so it pulls water in and swells instead of dissolving. That combination makes it one of the three standard “superdisintegrants” used in tablets and capsules.
Added at about 0.5–5% of the tablet weight, typically around 2% in direct compression and 3% in wet granulation, CCS helps a tablet break into granules within minutes, so the active can dissolve and be absorbed. It is used in generic and branded medicines, dispersible and orally disintegrating tablets, capsules and nutraceutical tablets, and is listed as E468 for food use in the EU. It is not the same as soluble carmellose sodium (sodium CMC), which is a binder and thickener, not a disintegrant.
As a chemical supplier in Mumbai, Chelora Pharmachem supplies pharmacopoeia-grade croscarmellose sodium to tablet, capsule and nutraceutical manufacturers across India, with a batch-wise COA, SDS/MSDS and specification, from trial lots for formulation development to regular bulk supply for commercial batches. Many formulators screen more than one disintegrant during development, and we also supply Sodium Starch Glycolate (SSG), so both can be sampled and quoted from one sales desk with the same documents.
In Depth
CCS starts as cellulose, chains of β-1,4-linked glucose units. Some hydroxyl groups are converted to carboxymethyl ethers held as the sodium salt (–OCH₂COO⁻ Na⁺), with an average degree of substitution of 0.60–0.85. A small share of these groups is internally cross-linked to neighbouring chains, which keeps the polymer insoluble in water while leaving it highly hydrophilic and anionic.
CCS works by wicking and swelling. Its fibrous particles draw water into the tablet through capillary channels, then swell quickly to several times their dry volume. The swelling pressure pushes particles apart and the tablet breaks into granules. Because the polymer does not dissolve into a viscous gel, water keeps flowing in, and disintegration stays fast even at low use levels.
Purified cellulose from wood pulp or cotton linters is steeped in sodium hydroxide and reacted with sodium monochloroacetate to form sodium carboxymethylcellulose. Reaction conditions are controlled so that some carboxymethyl groups become cross-linked within the polymer. The product is washed with aqueous alcohol to remove sodium chloride and sodium glycolate, dried and milled to the required particle size.
CCS is used at about 0.5–5% w/w, commonly around 2% in direct compression and 3% in wet granulation. In granulation it is often split between the granule and the final blend, called intragranular and extragranular addition. It suits soluble and insoluble fillers alike, and also speeds the break-up of capsule plugs and dispersible tablets. Higher levels rarely help and can slow dissolution.
Confirm the pharmacopoeia and particle-size grade first. Then compare the monograph tests: identification, pH 5.0–7.0, loss on drying, sulphated ash, sodium chloride plus sodium glycolate, water-soluble substances, degree of substitution, settling volume and microbial limits. Ask for the COA of the actual batch, and note that CCS is anionic and can interact with some basic, cationic actives.
Chelora Pharmachem supplies croscarmellose sodium (CAS 74811-65-7) from its centralized sales office in Mumbai to tablet, capsule and nutraceutical manufacturers across India. Share the pharmacopoeia, grade, quantity, packing and delivery location, and our team replies with price, lead time and documents, from trial lots to regular bulk supply. Repeat orders are planned with you to keep the same source and grade.
Global Sourcing
Our focus is the Indian market. When local supply is short, or you need a particular grade, origin or multi-compendial specification, our international sourcing desk brings croscarmellose sodium in from trusted producers abroad, and our Mumbai team handles import, documents and delivery to your plant.
Product Profile
The identifiers and properties purchase and QA teams ask for first. Batch values are always confirmed on the COA.
Identity
EC 629-739-2. Also called CCS, cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose or E468.
A cellulose glucose ring bearing an –OCH₂COO⁻ Na⁺ carboxymethyl group.
Appearance
White or greyish-white, odourless, hygroscopic, free-flowing powder made of short fibres.
In water
Practically insoluble in water; absorbs water fast and swells. Insoluble in acetone, ethanol and toluene.
Technical Data
Reference data for Croscarmellose Sodium, useful when writing a specification, checking an SDS or planning storage and transport.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name | Cellulose, carboxymethyl ether, sodium salt, cross-linked |
| Synonyms | CCS, cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium croscarmellose, croscarmellosum natricum, modified cellulose gum, E468 |
| CAS number | 74811-65-7 |
| EC number | 629-739-2 |
| Molecular formula | [C6H7O2(OH)3−x(OCH2COONa)x]n, cross-linked; no fixed molar mass |
| Degree of substitution | 0.60–0.85 (dried basis, USP-NF and Ph. Eur.) |
| Appearance | White or greyish-white, odourless, hygroscopic, free-flowing powder of short fibres |
| Melting point | Does not melt; decomposes on heating (above about 205 °C) |
| Bulk density | About 0.35–0.7 g/cm³ depending on grade, as per COA |
| Solubility in water | Practically insoluble; swells rapidly to several times its volume. Water-soluble fraction ≤ 10% |
| Other solvents | Practically insoluble in acetone, anhydrous ethanol and toluene |
| pH | 5.0–7.0 (1 g dispersed in 100 mL water) |
| Settling volume | 10.0–30.0 mL (pharmacopoeia method) |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 10.0% (105 °C, 6 hours); hygroscopic |
| Incompatibilities | Strong acids, strong oxidising agents, and soluble salts of iron, aluminium, mercury and zinc |
| HS code | 3912.31 |
| Transport | Not regulated as a dangerous good for road, sea or air; confirm with the batch SDS |
Literature values for reference. Supplied material is tested batch-wise and reported on the COA.
Applications
Croscarmellose sodium is a superdisintegrant: a small addition makes tablets, capsules and dispersible dosage forms break up quickly so the active can dissolve.
In direct compression, about 2% CCS is usually enough to bring disintegration time down to a few minutes, even in hard tablets made at high press force. It blends easily with fillers such as MCC, lactose and mannitol and works in soluble and insoluble matrices.
Fast disintegration
For wet-granulated tablets, CCS is typically used at about 3%, often split between the granules and the final blend. The intragranular part breaks granules into fine particles, and the extragranular part breaks the tablet into granules, giving faster dissolution.
Intra- & extragranular
Capsule fills are compressed into plugs that can stay intact after the shell dissolves. A small amount of CCS in the fill wicks water into the plug and swells, so the powder disperses quickly and drug release is not held back by the plug.
Capsule plug break-up
Dispersible tablets must break up in a little water, and orally disintegrating tablets on the tongue, within strict time limits. CCS, often combined with mannitol and other fast-dissolving fillers, helps these dosage forms meet their short disintegration times.
Dispersible & ODT
Vitamin, mineral and herbal tablets are often large and densely compressed, which slows break-up. CCS is widely used in dietary supplement tablets and capsules to help them disintegrate on time, and is listed as E468 for food use in the EU.
Vitamins & supplements
Quality & Compliance
Every supply is backed by the documents your QA, regulatory and stores teams expect.
COA, batch-wise
Tests, limits and results for the exact batch you receive, shared before dispatch.
SDS / MSDS
Hazards, safe handling, storage, transport and first-aid measures for Croscarmellose Sodium.
Technical data
Typical properties and the specification we supply against, to match with your in-house spec.
On request
Additional documents for vendor approval and audits can be arranged on request.
Safety & Handling
A short summary for stores, production and EHS teams. It does not replace the Safety Data Sheet supplied with every batch.
Not classified as hazardous under GHS in major supplier SDS, with no pictogram, signal word or hazard statements. Fine dust can irritate the eyes and airways. Check the SDS of the batch for the classification that applies.
Wear safety glasses and gloves, and a dust mask or particulate respirator where dust forms. Use local exhaust ventilation at charging, sieving and blending points, and follow good hygiene practice.
Keep in well-closed, airtight containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store, protected from moisture, heat and direct sunlight, and away from strong acids and strong oxidising agents.
Croscarmellose sodium is generally not regulated as a dangerous good for road, sea or air transport and has no UN number. Confirm with the transport section of the batch SDS.
Fine dust can form combustible dust clouds in air, so avoid raising dust and keep ignition sources and static away. Sweep or vacuum spills into closed containers; wet powder becomes slippery. Keep out of drains.
PAN India Delivery
From our centralized sales office in Mumbai, we supply Croscarmellose Sodium to buyers in every major manufacturing cluster.
MumbaiMumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Tarapur, Boisar, Pune and Aurangabad.
AhmedabadAhmedabad, Vadodara, Ankleshwar and Vapi.
HyderabadHyderabad and Visakhapatnam.
BaddiBaddi and Haridwar.
GoaPharma and chemical units across Goa.
BengaluruBengaluru and Chennai.
IndoreIndore, Pithampur and Sikkim.
Specification
A typical specification for pharmacopoeia-grade croscarmellose sodium (IP / BP / USP-NF / EP). Particle size varies by grade; share your spec and we quote against it.
The Chemistry
Made
Purified cellulose from wood pulp or cotton linters is treated with sodium hydroxide and sodium monochloroacetate. Controlled reaction conditions cross-link part of the carboxymethyl groups within the polymer, then the product is washed free of salts, dried and milled to grade.
Used
Blended at about 0.5–5% w/w, CCS sits between the filler and active particles. When the tablet meets water, its fibres draw water in and swell within seconds, the tablet splits into granules and then fine particles, and the active can dissolve.
Tested
Each batch is reported on a COA covering identification, pH, loss on drying, sulphated ash, sodium chloride and sodium glycolate, water-soluble substances, degree of substitution, settling volume and microbial limits, with particle size where the grade specifies it.
Stored
CCS is hygroscopic, and moisture taken up in storage can reduce its swelling power and change powder flow. Keep bags tightly closed in a cool, dry store, reseal part-used packs promptly, and keep it away from strong acids and oxidising agents.
Glossary
Terms you will meet on quotations, specifications and documents for Croscarmellose Sodium.
FAQ
Anything else, call +91 98191 11179 or write to source@chelorapharmachem.com.
Request a QuoteCroscarmellose sodium (CCS) is a superdisintegrant. It is added to tablets and capsules, usually at 0.5–5% w/w and typically around 2–3%, so that they break up quickly in the stomach and release the active. It is used in direct compression, wet granulation, dispersible and orally disintegrating tablets, capsules and nutraceutical tablets.
The CAS number of croscarmellose sodium is 74811-65-7 and the EC number is 629-739-2. Soluble sodium carboxymethylcellulose (carmellose sodium) has a different CAS number, 9004-32-4, so quote 74811-65-7 on your enquiry to avoid confusion between the two.
Yes. Cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium croscarmellose, croscarmellosum natricum, CCS and the food additive number E468 all refer to the same material. Different producers sell it under their own trade names, but the pharmacopoeia monograph name is croscarmellose sodium.
Both are sodium carboxymethylcellulose, but croscarmellose sodium is internally cross-linked. That makes it insoluble, so it swells and breaks tablets apart. Carmellose sodium is not cross-linked and dissolves into a viscous solution, so it is used as a binder, thickener and suspending agent rather than as a disintegrant.
All three are superdisintegrants used at similar levels. CCS is cellulose-based and anionic, and works by wicking and swelling. Sodium starch glycolate is starch-based and relies mainly on very high swelling. Crospovidone is a non-ionic cross-linked povidone that acts by wicking and strain recovery. The best choice depends on the formulation and is usually found by trial.
We supply pharmacopoeia grades to IP, BP, USP-NF and EP, including multi-compendial material, with standard and finer particle-size grades on request, subject to availability. Tell us the pharmacopoeia, particle-size need and quantity, and we will source a matching grade.
Store it in well-closed, airtight containers in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture, heat and direct sunlight. CCS is hygroscopic, and absorbed moisture can reduce its disintegrant performance, so reseal part-used bags. Follow the storage section of the SDS supplied with the batch.
Croscarmellose sodium is generally classified under HS subheading 3912.31, which covers carboxymethylcellulose and its salts in primary forms. Confirm the full national tariff code with your customs broker before import or export.
Major supplier SDS do not classify croscarmellose sodium as hazardous under GHS, and it has no hazard statements or pictograms. As with other fine powders, dust can irritate the eyes and airways and can form combustible dust clouds, so use dust control, eye protection and good housekeeping, and read the batch SDS.
Croscarmellose sodium is generally not regulated as a dangerous good for road, sea or air transport and has no UN number. Always check the transport section of the SDS supplied with the batch.
We provide a batch-wise Certificate of Analysis (COA), SDS/MSDS and specifications. Additional documents for vendor qualification can be arranged on request.
Yes. We handle requirements from samples and trial lots for R&D, formulation and vendor approval up to regular bulk supply for commercial production, subject to product availability.
We supply buyers across India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim, from our centralized sales office in Mumbai.
Email source@chelorapharmachem.com or source@cheloragroup.com, call +91 98191 11179, or use the enquiry form on this page. Include the quantity, grade, delivery location and target date.
Request a Quote
Tell us the quantity, grade and delivery location. Our centralized sales team replies with competitive pricing, lead time and documentation.
