Polyethylene glycol
General Product Information
| Article | Polyethylene glycol |
| Synonyms | Macrogol, PEG, PEO, Poly(oxyethylene), Poly(ethylene oxide) |
| CAS No. | 25322-68-3 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 203-473-3 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 39072011 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a linear polymer formed from the polymerization of ethylene oxide. Depending on its molecular mass, PEG ranges from a colorless, odorless liquid to a waxy solid. PEG is soluble in water, ethanol, methanol, acetone, gasoline and dichloromethane, but insoluble in di-ethyl ether and hexane. It has low vapor pressure, is thermally and chemically stable, and exhibits low toxicity.
Characteristics
- Varying physical properties: Melting Point, Boiling Point and viscosity depend on the specific molecular mass.
- Odor: Odorless.
- Grade: Technical.
- Versatile substance: Available in different molecular weights.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | C2nH4n+2Oₙ+1 |
| Molar Weight | (varying) |
| Melting Point | Depending on molecular mass, ranging from -65°C to 66°C. |
| Boiling Point | 250 °C |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, ethanol, methanol, acetone, gasoline and dichloromethane, but insoluble in di-ethyl ether and hexane. |
| Density | 1.125 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | – |
| Color | Colorless |
| Shape | Liquid |
Applications
Polyethylene glycol is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Pharmaceutical Industry
As a solvent, excipient and in formulations for oral, topical and parenteral administration.
2. Cosmetics & Personal Care
In creams, lotions and toothpastes.
3. Agriculture
As a soil conditioner and in plant protection products.
4. Biotechnology
In gene transfer and as a cryoprotectant.
5. Industrial Applications
As a lubricant, stabilizer, thickener and in the production of technical ceramics.
Interessing Links
- CAS Common Chemistry – Polyethylene glycol
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Guidelines and standards for food additives and food ingredients.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- European Food Information Council (EFIC)
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information about safety and application of food additives.
- PubChem of the National Library of Medicine by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- Wikipedia – Polyethylene glycol