Polyethylene glycol
Synonyms
PEG;
Glycols, polyethylene;
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-hydro-omega-hydroxy-;
Category
Non-ionic surfactant
> Polyether
>> Ethylene Oxide - Propylene Oxide Homopolymer and Copolymer
Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 25322-68-3
EINECS: 500-038-2
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: (C2H4O)n.H2O
Molecular Weight: N/A
Structure
Properties
Appearance (1), colorless liquid to white paste to white solid.
Solubility soluble in water.
Stability stable.
Risk Liquid (or solid) form: flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2 and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
dog intravenous LDLo |
3000mg/kg[1] |
|
guinea pig oral LD50 |
15700mg/kg[1] |
|
guinea pig oral LD50 |
17000mg/kg[1] |
|
guinea pig oral LD50 |
19600mg/kg[1] |
|
guinea pig oral LD50 |
22500mg/kg[1] |
|
guinea pig oral LD50 |
28000mg/kg[1] |
|
guinea pig oral LD50 |
28900mg/kg[1] |
|
guinea pig oral LD50 |
50000mg/kg[1] |
|
guinea pig oral LD500 |
50900mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse intraperitoneal LD50 |
473mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse intraperitoneal LD50 |
2000mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse intraperitoneal LD50 |
7500mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse intraperitoneal LD50 |
8000mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse intravenous LD50 |
7.9mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse intravenous LD50 |
8550mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse intravenous LD50 |
16000mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse oral LD50 |
28915mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse oral LD50 |
31000mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse oral LD50 |
34000mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse oral LD50 |
36000mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse subcutaneous LD50 |
18000mg/kg[1] |
|
rabbit skin LD |
> 1000mg/kg[1] |
|
rabbit skin LD50 |
> 20mL/kg[1] |
|
rabbit skin LD50 |
> 20000mg/kg[1] |
|
rabbit intravenous LD50 |
8000mg/kg[1] |
|
rabbit oral LD50 |
14000mg/kg[1] |
|
rabbit oral LD50 |
17300mg/kg[1] |
|
rabbit oral LD50 |
19000mg/kg[1] |
|
rabbit oral LD50 |
26800mg/kg[1] |
|
rabbit oral LD50 |
28900mg/kg[1] |
|
rabbit oral LD50 |
76000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intraperitoneal LD50 |
6790mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intraperitoneal LD50 |
9000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intraperitoneal LD50 |
9700mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intraperitoneal LD50 |
9708mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intraperitoneal LD50 |
12600mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intraperitoneal LD50 |
14100mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intraperitoneal LD50 |
15390mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intraperitoneal LD50 |
15570mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intraperitoneal LD50 |
16000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intraperitoneal LD50 |
17000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intraperitoneal LD50 |
17700mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intravenous LD50 |
7130mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intravenous LD50 |
7312mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intravenous LD50 |
7500mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intravenous LD50 |
13000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intravenous LDLo |
3000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intravenous LDLo |
22000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD |
> 4000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
600mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
1054mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
> 4000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
22000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
27500mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
28000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
30000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
30200mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
31600mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
31640mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
32000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
44200mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
45000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
50000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
> 50000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
51200mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
51310mg/kg[1] |
|
rat subcutaneous LD50 |
16000mg/kg[1] |
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent emulsifying, dispersing, solubilizing, lubricating, wetting, permeating, antistatic abilities. Performance is related to EO number.
Note (1), The by-product 1,4-dioxane is a possible carcinogen. Generally, can be acceptable when concentration of 1,4-dioxane is less than 30ppm or less.
(2), Be careful with using in children's products.
(3), "Polyethylene glycol" referred to in this article is the product with average molecular weight no more than 20000. For product with molecular weight higher than 20000, please refer to "PEO".
In section of "Product members": "PEG-n", n: EO number; "PEG n", n: average molecular weight.
Synthesis
Obtained by polymerization of ethylene oxide.
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Liquid/paste/solid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
95.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
GB/T 13173 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Testing methods
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Liquid/paste/solid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Product standards
(1), Chinese standards
(1a), GB 22114 Humectants for toothpastes -- Glycerin and macrogol
(1b), HG/T 4134 Polyethylene glycols for industrial use
(1c), Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition) Macrogol 300 (For Injection)
(1d), Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition) Macrogol 400
(1e), Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition) Macrogol 400 (For Injection)
(1f), Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition) Macrogol 600
(1g), Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition) Macrogol 1000
(1h), Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition) Macrogol 1500
(1i), Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition) Macrogol 4000
(1j), Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition) Macrogol 6000
4, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances or furtherly test for microorganisms, according to local regulations and standards.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as emulsifying agent, dispersing agent.
Use as solubilizing agent.
Use as lubricant.
Liquid PEG: use as solvent, solubilizing agent, wetting agent, lubricant, antistatic agent, dispersing agent, emulsifying agent. For example, used as antistatic agent, softening agent, wetting agent in textile, chemical fiber; used as lubricant in metalworking fluids.
PEG (medium molecular weight, paste or solid): use as dispersing agent, solubilizing agent, lubricant. For example, used as dispersing agent in coatings; used as lubricant in metal processing (such as stamping, stretching, grinding).
PEG (high molecular weight, solid): use as thickening agent, excipient, lubricant, dispersing agent.
2, Personal care products
Humectant, solvent, emulsion stabilizer in personal care products.
3, Organic synthesis
Use as intermediate in organic synthesis.
4, Medicine
Pharmaceutical excipient.
Macrogol 300 (For Injection), Macrogol 400, Macrogol 400 (For Injection), Macrogol 600: use as solvent, plasticizer.
Macrogol 1000, Macrogol 1500, Macrogol 4000, Macrogol 6000: use as ointment base, lubricant.
(This section is for reference only, should be implemented according to local Pharmacopoeia.)
Product members
PEG-4 (CAS: 112-60-7; EINECS: 203-989-9);
PEG-6 (CAS: 2615-15-8; EINECS: 220-045-1) (PEG 300);
PEG-7;
PEG-8 (CAS: 5117-19-1; EINECS: 225-856-4);
PEG-9 (CAS: 3386-18-3; EINECS: 222-206-1);
PEG-10 (CAS: 5579-66-8; EINECS: 226-962-3) (PEG 500);
PEG-12 (PEG 600);
PEG-14;
PEG-16;
PEG-18;
PEG-20;
PEG-32;
PEG-33;
PEG-40;
PEG-45;
PEG-55;
PEG-60;
PEG-75;
PEG-80;
PEG-90;
PEG-100;
PEG-135;
PEG-150;
PEG-180;
PEG-200;
PEG-220;
PEG-240;
PEG-350;
PEG-400;
PEG-450;
PEG 100;
PEG 200;
PEG 400;
PEG 800;
PEG 1000;
PEG 1500;
PEG 2000;
PEG 4000;
PEG 6000;
PEG 8000;
PEG 10000;
PEG 20000;
Manufacturers
References
[1]: ChemIDplus. 25322-68-3, Polyethylene glycol
Update: 20130928(1); 20200301(2);