Process for making cellulose ethers having reduced yellowing and discoloration

A process for making a low molecular weight cellulose ether, the process comprising:

• a) providing a high molecular weight cellulose ether of a viscosity of about 200 centipoise or more in a two percent aqueous solution at 20° C.;
• b) contacting the high molecular weight cellulose ether with an amount of an acid sufficient to partially depolymerize it to a low molecular weight cellulose ether of a viscosity of about 100 cP or less at 20° C. in a two percent aqueous solution;
• c) partially or substantially neutralizing the acid by contacting the low molecular weight cellulose ether with a basic compound;
• d) repeating steps a)-c) to produce two or more discrete product batches of low molecular weight cellulose ether wherein at least one discrete product batch is partially neutralized to a pH of 6.8 or less;
• and
• e) blending the two or more discrete product batches to form a combined product batch of low molecular weight cellulose ether of a pH of 4 to 6.8.