1. MC is a white grayish-white powder or granule, odorless and flavorless. 2. MC is soluble in cold water to form transparent viscous solution. 3. MC is soluble in some organic solvents and mixed solvents of water and organic solvents. 4. MC is a kind of nonionic and non-polyelectrolyte. Therefore it is stable in the aqueous solutions of metal salts and organic electrolytes. Gelation and precipitation will occur if the aqueous solutions have too much electrolytes. 5. MC is used as surface active agents, colloid protective agents, emulsifiers and dispersants in aqueous solutions. 6. When heated to a certain temperature, the aqueous EC solution will become opaque because of its gelation and precipitation properties. When gradually cooled, it will go back to its original state. The temperatures for gelation and precipitation depend on the types of products, the concentrations of solutions and heating speed