Pharma Excipient · Tablet Diluent & Binder
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), the most widely used diluent and dry binder for tablets and capsules. Grades PH 101, PH 102, PH 112 and PH 200 to IP, BP, USP-NF and EP, supplied by Chelora Pharmachem, Mumbai, and delivered across India with a batch COA and SDS.
How Buying Works
Send the quantity, grade (PH 101, PH 102, PH 112, PH 200 or other), pharmacopoeia, delivery city and target date. Quote CAS 9004-34-6 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, compression and granulation 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
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC, cellulose gel, E460(i); CAS 9004-34-6) is purified, partially depolymerised cellulose made by treating alpha-cellulose from wood pulp or cotton linters with dilute mineral acid. The acid removes the loose, amorphous parts of the cellulose fibres and leaves fine crystalline particles. The result is a white, odourless, tasteless powder that does not dissolve in water, and that compresses into hard, strong tablets with very little force, which makes it one of the most used excipients in oral solid dosage forms.
In tablets, MCC works as a diluent, a dry binder and a helper for disintegration. It is used in direct compression, wet and dry granulation, and extrusion–spheronisation of pellets, and as a filler for hard capsules and sachets. Grades differ mainly in particle size, moisture and bulk density. Outside pharma, MCC is a food additive (E460(i)) used as an anti-caking and bulking agent, and a cosmetic ingredient that absorbs oil, thickens and adds texture.
As a chemical supplier in Mumbai, Chelora Pharmachem supplies pharmacopoeia-grade MCC to formulation, nutraceutical, food and cosmetic 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. Most tablet formulas pair MCC with a lubricant, and we also supply Magnesium Stearate, so both excipients can come from one sales desk, on one quotation and with the same documents.
In Depth
MCC is cellulose: long chains of glucose units joined by β-1,4 glycosidic bonds, with cellobiose as the repeating pair. Acid hydrolysis cuts the chains down to a degree of polymerisation of not more than 350 and leaves the tightly packed crystalline regions. Hydrogen bonding between chains makes it insoluble in water and most solvents, chemically inert and stable under normal storage.
Under compression, MCC particles deform plastically instead of breaking, so they come into close contact and lock together through hydrogen bonds. That is why MCC gives hard, low-friability tablets at modest press forces. Its porous particles also wick water into the tablet, helping it break up. It is sensitive to over-lubrication, so magnesium stearate levels and blending time need control.
Purified alpha-cellulose pulp from wood or cotton linters is hydrolysed with dilute mineral acid under heat. The amorphous regions dissolve and the crystalline fraction is left behind. The slurry is neutralised, washed and filtered, then usually spray-dried. Drying conditions and screening set the particle size, moisture and bulk density that separate one grade from another.
MCC is the workhorse diluent of oral solids. PH 101 is the usual choice for wet granulation and pellets, PH 102 and PH 200 flow better for direct compression, and PH 112 is a low-moisture grade for moisture-sensitive actives. Used at about 20–90% as a diluent and binder, it also aids disintegration at lower levels.
Confirm the grade first, because particle size, bulk density and moisture drive flow and compression on your machines. Then compare the pharmacopoeia tests: identification and degree of polymerisation, pH, conductivity, loss on drying, residue on ignition, water- and ether-soluble substances and microbial limits. Ask for the COA of the actual batch and keep the same grade between lots.
Chelora Pharmachem supplies microcrystalline cellulose (CAS 9004-34-6) from its centralized sales office in Mumbai to tablet, capsule, nutraceutical, food and cosmetic manufacturers across India. Share the grade, pharmacopoeia, 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 grade.
Global Sourcing
Our focus is the Indian market. When local supply is short, or you need a specific grade, origin or pharmacopoeia, our international sourcing desk brings microcrystalline cellulose 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 232-674-9. Also sold as MCC, cellulose gel or E460(i), in grades PH 101, PH 102, PH 112 and PH 200.
One anhydroglucose ring per repeat unit, joined β-1,4 to the next.
Appearance
White or almost white, odourless and tasteless; fine or granular powder depending on the grade.
Solubility
Practically insoluble in water, ethanol, acetone and dilute acids. It disperses in water but does not dissolve.
Technical Data
Reference data for MCC, useful when writing a specification, checking an SDS or planning storage and transport.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name | Cellulose, microcrystalline (partially depolymerised poly-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranose) |
| Synonyms | MCC, cellulose gel, crystalline cellulose, E460(i) |
| CAS number | 9004-34-6 (the CAS number of cellulose) |
| EC number | 232-674-9 |
| Molecular formula | (C6H10O5)n |
| Repeat unit mass | 162.14 g/mol per anhydroglucose unit |
| Degree of polymerisation | Not more than 350 (USP-NF and Ph. Eur.) |
| Appearance | White or almost white, fine or granular, free-flowing powder |
| Odour and taste | Odourless and tasteless |
| Melting point | Does not melt; chars at about 260–270 °C |
| Density | True density about 1.5 g/cm³; loose bulk density about 0.26–0.38 g/cm³ for common grades, as per COA |
| Particle size | Nominal about 20–200 µm, depending on the grade (for example about 50 µm for PH 101 and 100 µm for PH 102) |
| Moisture | Loss on drying not more than 7.0% by monograph; typically 3–5%, and ≤ 1.5% for low-moisture grades such as PH 112 |
| Solubility in water | Practically insoluble; disperses but does not dissolve |
| Other solvents | Practically insoluble in acetone, ethanol, toluene, dilute acids and 50 g/L sodium hydroxide; dissolves in ammoniacal copper solutions |
| pH | 5.0–7.5 (aqueous supernatant, pharmacopoeia method) |
| HS code | 3912.90 |
| 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
MCC is the default diluent and binder for tablets and capsules, and the same powder works as an anti-caking agent in food and a texturiser in cosmetics.
The leading diluent and dry binder for direct compression. Grades such as PH 102 and PH 200 flow well from the hopper and compress into hard, low-friability tablets, from generic medicines to vitamin and nutraceutical tablets.
Diluent & dry binder
PH 101 is the usual grade for wet granulation, where it improves granule strength and drying, and for extrusion–spheronisation, where it holds water and gives round, strong pellets for modified-release capsules and multi-unit tablets.
Granulation & spheronisation
A filler for hard capsules and sachets that keeps fill weights uniform and helps the powder plug form on capsule-filling machines. Denser grades are used where a higher fill weight is needed in a given capsule size.
Capsule filler
Listed as E460(i) in the EU, MCC is used as an anti-caking agent in grated and shredded cheese, and as a bulking and texturising agent in reduced-fat and reduced-sugar foods. Food buyers should confirm the rules that apply to their product.
Anti-caking & bulking
In cosmetics MCC absorbs oil, prevents caking, adds bulk and opacity and helps control viscosity. It is found in face powders and compacts, gentle scrubs, creams and lotions, where it gives a soft, matte feel.
Absorbent & texturiser
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 MCC.
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 most supplier SDS, with low oral toxicity (rat LD50 above 5000 mg/kg). Treat it as a nuisance dust. 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 and sieving points, and follow good hygiene practice.
Keep containers tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store, protected from moisture and away from heat, ignition sources and strong oxidising agents.
Microcrystalline cellulose 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.
Like other fine organic powders, MCC dust can burn and form combustible dust clouds. Avoid raising dust, sweep or vacuum spills into closed containers, and keep it out of drains and water courses.
PAN India Delivery
From our centralized sales office in Mumbai, we supply MCC 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 MCC (IP / BP / USP-NF / EP). Particle size and bulk density depend on the grade; share your spec and we quote against it.
The Chemistry
Made
Alpha-cellulose pulp from wood or cotton linters is treated with dilute mineral acid. The amorphous regions break down and the crystalline cellulose remains, which is then neutralised, washed and spray-dried to the particle size of each grade.
Used
Blended with the active and other excipients, MCC deforms plastically on the tablet press and hydrogen-bonds into a strong compact. Its porous particles draw water in when the tablet is swallowed, helping it disintegrate.
Tested
Each batch is reported on a COA covering appearance, identification and degree of polymerisation, pH, conductivity, loss on drying, residue on ignition, soluble substances and microbial limits, with particle size and bulk density as per grade.
Stored
MCC is stable but picks up moisture from the air, and extra moisture changes flow and compression. Keep bags closed in a cool, dry store, reseal part-used packs, and keep it away from strong oxidising agents.
Glossary
Terms you will meet on quotations, specifications and documents for MCC.
FAQ
Anything else, call +91 98191 11179 or write to source@chelorapharmachem.com.
Request a QuoteMicrocrystalline cellulose (CAS 9004-34-6) is mainly used as a diluent, dry binder and disintegration aid in tablets and as a filler in capsules and sachets. It is also used in wet granulation and pellet making, as an anti-caking and bulking agent in food (E460(i)), and as an absorbent and texturiser in cosmetics.
The CAS number is 9004-34-6 and the EC number is 232-674-9. The same CAS number covers cellulose in general, including powdered cellulose, so always state “microcrystalline cellulose” and the grade, such as PH 101 or PH 102, on your enquiry.
Yes. Cellulose gel, crystalline cellulose and E460(i) are other names for microcrystalline cellulose. Colloidal MCC is different: it is MCC co-processed with sodium carboxymethylcellulose to disperse in water, and is sold as a separate product.
Both come from purified plant cellulose and share CAS 9004-34-6. Powdered cellulose (E460(ii)) is mechanically ground fibre, while MCC is acid-hydrolysed to remove amorphous regions, giving shorter, more crystalline particles with a degree of polymerisation of not more than 350 and much better compression into tablets.
Both meet the same pharmacopoeia monograph. PH 101 has a nominal particle size of about 50 µm and is preferred for wet granulation and pellets. PH 102 is about 100 µm, flows better and is preferred for direct compression and capsule filling. Moisture is typically 3–5% for both.
We supply pharmacopoeia grades to IP, BP, USP-NF and EP, including PH 101, PH 102, PH 112 (low moisture) and PH 200 (coarse), and other grades on request, subject to availability. Food and cosmetic grades can also be sourced. Tell us the grade and particle size you need.
Keep it in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store, protected from moisture and away from heat and strong oxidising agents. MCC picks up moisture from the air, so reseal part-used bags. Follow the storage section of the SDS supplied with the batch.
Microcrystalline cellulose is generally classified under HS subheading 3912.90, which covers cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms not listed elsewhere. Confirm the full national tariff code with your customs broker before import or export.
Most supplier SDS do not classify MCC as hazardous under GHS, and its oral toxicity is very low. Like other fine organic powders, its 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.
Microcrystalline cellulose 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.
