MMetolose is a nonionic, water soluble cellulose ether derived from highly purified natural pulp by initial treatment with caustic soda to obtain alkalicellulose, followed by etherification with methyl chloride or with the combination of methyl chloride and propylene oxide.

It can be used as a binder for solid dosage forms and enjoys a variety of properties such as water retention, thickening, sustainedrelease, protective colloid, etc.

Metolose consists of methylcellulose and three substitution types of hypromellose each available in several grades of differing viscosity. ShinEtsu also manufactures Metolose SR grades specifically for use in hydrophilic sustainedrelease matrix systems.