A cellulose ether acetate phthalate is provided, wherein the degree of substitution of phthalyl groups is from 0.02 to 0.25, the degree of neutralization of phthalyl groups is not more than 0.5, the degree of substitution of acetyl groups is from 0.02 to 0.40, and the total degree of substitution of phthalyl and acetyl groups is not more than 0.50. The cellulose ether acetate phthalate has a solubility in water of at least 2.0 weight percent at 2° C.
