Overview
Cellulose acetate phthalate (CAS 9004-38-0 ), commonly abbreviated as CAP, is a cellulose-derived polymer ester used primarily as an enteric coating agent in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
It controls the release profile of oral dosage forms by remaining intact in gastric acid while dissolving in the higher pH environment of the intestine. CAP is the material of choice for enteric coating tablets.
It is used for capsules and granules where protection from stomach acid is required, particularly for acid-sensitive active pharmaceutical ingredients. It is also used in sustained-release pellet systems.
In these systems, coating thickness and polymer concentration determine the dissolution lag time. Formulators incorporate CAP into film-coating solutions alongside plasticizers to achieve consistent coating uniformity.
This process is essential at commercial batch scale. Beyond solid dosage forms, it functions as a binder and matrix former in controlled-release granulation processes for various pharmaceutical applications.
Cellulose acetate phthalate is supplied as a white to off-white powder. It is available in pharmaceutical-grade specifications meeting USP and Ph. Eur. standards for global compliance.
These are the primary grades demanded by regulated drug manufacturers. Suppliers typically offer it in fiber drum or multi-wall bag packaging suited to GMP production environments and large scale logistics.
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Physical Properties
| Appearance | white granular powder |
| Form | neat |
Safety & Handling
Warning GHS02 GHS07 Hazard Statements H252 Self-heating in large quantities; may catch fire H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation Precautionary Statements P235 Keep cool. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P405 Store locked up. P407 Maintain air gap between stacks/pallets. P410 Protect from sunlight. P413 Store bulk masses greater than … kg/… lbs at temperatures not exceeding … °C/…°F. P420 Store away from other materials. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 39129010 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 9004-38-0
- EC Number
- 618-382-8
- Mol. Weight
- 722.6
- HS Code
- 39129010
- Category
- Polymers & Resins