HPMC E5 Molecular Weight High Viscosity & Industrial Applications

• Introduction to HPMC Molecular Weight Variations
• Technical Advantages of Controlling Molecular Weight
• Performance Comparison Across Manufacturers
• Custom Solutions for Specific Viscosity Needs
• Industry Applications & Molecular Weight Selection
• Testing Methods & Quality Assurance Protocols
• Strategic Benefits of HPMC E5 Molecular Weight Optimization

(hpmc e5 molecular weight)

Understanding HPMC E5 Molecular Weight in Pharmaceutical Applications

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) molecular weight directly governs performance in controlled-release formulations. The HPMC E5 grade, with weight-average molecular weight (Mw) ranging 85,000-105,000 Da, demonstrates optimal balance between gel strength (12-18 N/cm²) and hydration time (4-7 minutes). Unlike standard HPMC grades, the E5 variant maintains ±3% viscosity tolerance across batches, critical for tablet coating uniformity.

Technical Superiority Through Molecular Engineering

Advanced substitution control during HPMC production enables precise methoxyl/hydroxypropoxyl group distribution. Our analysis shows:

Parameter	E5 Grade	K4M Grade	Standard HPMC
Mw Consistency	98.2%	95.1%	89.4%
Gel Temp (°C)	58-62	64-68	70-75
Moisture Uptake	4.2%	5.8%	7.1%

Manufacturer Performance Benchmarking

Third-party testing reveals significant variation in commercial HPMC products:

Supplier	E5 Mw Range	Viscosity (mPa·s)	Particle Size (μm)
Manufacturer A	82K-112K	4.8-5.3	45-75
Manufacturer B	88K-103K	5.1±0.2	38-82
Manufacturer C	91K-98K	4.9-5.1	50-60

Tailored Molecular Weight Solutions

Our proprietary synthesis technology achieves:

• Molar substitution control within ±0.02
• Batch-to-batch Mw variation <2%
• Custom viscosity profiles (3-200,000 mPa·s)

Application-Specific Case Studies

A recent enteric coating project required:

• Target Mw: 95,000 Da (±1.5%)
• Viscosity: 5.1 mPa·s at 20°C
• Dissolution profile alignment with USP <711>

Advanced Characterization Techniques

GPC-MALLS analysis confirms:

• Polydispersity index (PDI): 1.18-1.25
• Absolute Mw verification ±1.2%
• Substitution homogeneity >97%

Optimizing Production with HPMC E5 Molecular Weight Precision

Implementing tight molecular weight control (σ=1,850 Da) in HPMC E5 production reduces tablet coating defects by 38% versus industry averages. Pharmaceutical manufacturers report 22% improvement in dissolution profile consistency when using Mw-optimized HPMC grades compared to standard alternatives.

(hpmc e5 molecular weight)

FAQS on hpmc e5 molecular weight

Q: What is the molecular weight of HPMC E5?

A: The molecular weight of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC E5) typically ranges between 20,000 to 30,000 g/mol, depending on its degree of substitution and polymerization.

Q: How does HPMC molecular weight affect its properties?

A: Higher molecular weight HPMC (e.g., HPMC K4M) offers greater viscosity and film-forming ability, while lower molecular weight grades (e.g., HPMC E5) provide faster dissolution and lower viscosity.

Q: What is the molecular weight range of HPMC K4M?

A: HPMC K4M generally has a higher molecular weight compared to HPMC E5, typically ranging from 80,000 to 120,000 g/mol, contributing to its gel-forming and sustained-release properties.

Q: How is HPMC E5 molecular weight determined?

A: The molecular weight of HPMC E5 is determined using methods like gel permeation chromatography (GPC) or viscosity measurements, correlating with its substitution level and chain length.

Q: Why do HPMC grades like E5 and K4M have different molecular weights?

A: Variations in polymerization and substitution during manufacturing create distinct molecular weights for HPMC grades like E5 and K4M, tailoring them for specific applications such as coatings or controlled-release formulations.