HPMC Solubility Chart

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a semi-synthetic, inert, and viscoelastic polymer often used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products. Its solubility can vary depending on factors such as temperature, concentration, and pH. Here's a basic solubility chart and an overview of HPMC's solubility characteristics.

HPMC Solubility Chart:

Solvent	Solubility
Water (Cold)	Soluble (forms a colloidal solution)
Water (Hot)	Insoluble (forms a gel)
Organic Solvents (alcohols)	Slightly soluble in some organic solvents
Aqueous Alcohols (≤70% water)	Soluble
Aqueous Alcohols (≥70% alcohol)	Poorly soluble or insoluble
pH Range 3-11 (water)	Soluble
pH < 3 or > 11	Insoluble or reduced solubility

Here’s a detailed breakdown of HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) solubility in various solvents, including cold water, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, methanol, and organic solvents:

1. HPMC Solubility in Cold Water:

Solubility: HPMC is soluble in cold water. When HPMC is added to cold water, it hydrates and forms a colloidal solution. The solution is usually clear to slightly cloudy depending on the grade and concentration.
Mechanism: HPMC dissolves by swelling in cold water, forming a viscous solution over time. The dissolution process may take several minutes to a few hours, and mechanical stirring is often used to speed up hydration.
Concentration: At higher concentrations, HPMC forms a more viscous solution or gel.

2. HPMC Solubility in Ethanol:

Solubility: HPMC is slightly soluble or insoluble in pure ethanol. In high ethanol content (more than 70%), HPMC will not dissolve well.
Aqueous Ethanol: When mixed with a significant amount of water (e.g., ≤70% ethanol), HPMC can dissolve, forming a colloidal solution. The solubility decreases as the ethanol concentration increases.

3. HPMC Solubility in Isopropyl Alcohol:

Solubility: HPMC is slightly soluble or insoluble in pure isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Similar to ethanol, it will not dissolve well in high concentrations of IPA.
Aqueous Isopropanol: In mixtures of water and isopropyl alcohol, HPMC may dissolve depending on the water content. The solution needs a significant proportion of water to allow proper solubility.

4. HPMC Solubility in Methanol:

Solubility: HPMC is generally insoluble in pure methanol. In high methanol concentrations, it will not dissolve properly and may form a suspension or precipitate.
Aqueous Methanol: In water-methanol mixtures with a high water content, HPMC can dissolve, but the solubility decreases as the methanol content increases.

5. HPMC Solubility in Organic Solvents:

Solubility: HPMC is insoluble or only slightly soluble in most organic solvents like acetone, chloroform, and other non-polar solvents. It may form suspensions but will not dissolve.
Mixed Solvents: In certain solvent mixtures containing water, HPMC may dissolve, but this depends heavily on the water content. In general, it requires the presence of water or polar solvents to achieve solubility.

6. HPMC Solubility in Water:

Solubility: HPMC is highly soluble in cold water, forming a viscous solution or gel. In hot water (above 60°C), HPMC becomes insoluble and forms a gel. When the temperature is lowered, the gel can revert back to a liquid solution.
pH Range: HPMC is soluble in water across a pH range of 3 to 11. Outside this pH range, its solubility decreases.

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HPMC Solubility Chart

Key Solubility Characteristics of HPMC:

Water Solubility:

Cold Water: HPMC dissolves in cold water, forming a colloidal solution. As the polymer hydrates, it swells, and over time it disperses completely, forming a clear to slightly cloudy solution depending on the grade and concentration.

Hot Water: HPMC is insoluble in hot water. At higher temperatures (above 60°C or 140°F), HPMC will form a gel rather than dissolving, making it useful for thermal gelation applications. As it cools, it can re-dissolve into water.

pH Sensitivity:

HPMC is soluble in water across a wide pH range of 3 to 11, making it highly versatile for use in different formulations. Outside of this range, HPMC may become insoluble or show decreased solubility.

Organic Solvent Solubility:

Alcohols: HPMC is generally insoluble in pure alcohols like ethanol and methanol. However, it can be dissolved in aqueous mixtures of alcohols when the water content is high (up to 70%). The solubility decreases as the alcohol concentration increases.

Other Solvents: HPMC shows limited solubility in other organic solvents but can form suspensions or gels in certain solvent systems. It is often used in combination with organic solvents in industrial applications.

Solubility Behavior in Mixtures:

HPMC can be dissolved in a mixture of water and polar organic solvents such as ethanol, isopropanol, or acetone if the water content is sufficient. It’s often used in formulations requiring both hydrophilic and lipophilic balance.

● Cold Water: Soluble, forms a viscous solution.

● Ethanol: Slightly soluble in aqueous ethanol (≤70% water), insoluble in pure ethanol.

● Isopropyl Alcohol: Slightly soluble in aqueous mixtures, insoluble in pure IPA.

● Methanol: Insoluble, or very limited solubility in aqueous methanol mixtures.

● Organic Solvents: Insoluble or forms suspensions in non-polar organic solvents.

● Water: Highly soluble in cold water; gels in hot water.

HPMC is primarily soluble in cold water and aqueous systems, has limited solubility in organic solvents, and forms gels at high temperatures. Its solubility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, especially in pharmaceuticals as a binder or film-forming agent.