The present invention provides certain carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) esters of higher acids (e.g., CMC acetate propionate, CMC propionate, CMC acetate butyrate, and CMC butyrate)having specific use in aqueous dispersions useful in formulating waterborne coating compositions containing pigments, especially metallic pigments such as aluminum flakes and mica. The esters also have specific use as wetting agents and in high solids coatings.