Polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether
Synonyms
Methoxy polyethylene glycol;
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-methyl-omega-hydroxy-;
Methoxy PEG;
PEG Methyl ether;
Category
Non-ionic surfactant
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Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 9004-74-4
EINECS: N/A
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: (C2H4O)n.C1H4O
Molecular Weight: N/A
Structure
Properties
Appearance (1), liquid to solid.
Solubility soluble in water.
Stability stable.
Risk Solid (or liquid) 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
|
rabbit skin LD50 |
> 20mL/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
22mL/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
39.8mL/kg[1] |
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent cleansing, emulsifying, dispersing, solubilizing, wetting, permeating, lubricating 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.
Synthesis
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Solid/paste/liquid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
95.0 |
|
pH (25°C, 1% solution) |
5.0 - 7.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
GB/T 13173 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Testing methods
(2), pH
GB/T 6368 Surface active agents -- Determination of pH of aqueous solution -- Potentiometric method
ISO 4316 Surface active agents -- Determination of pH of aqueous solutions -- Potentiometric method
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Solid/paste/liquid |
|
|
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, 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 solvent.
Use as cleansing agent.
Use as emulsifying agent, dispersing agent.
Use as solubilizing agent.
Use as lubricant.
2, Personal care products
Solvent, humectant in personal care products.
Further information:
Methoxydiglycol can not be used in personal care products.
Product members
Methoxy PEG-7 (PEG-7 Methyl ether);
Methoxy PEG-10;
Methoxy PEG-16;
Methoxy PEG-25;
Methoxy PEG-40;
Methoxy PEG-100;
PEG-3 Methyl ether;
PEG-4 Methyl ether (CAS: 23783-42-8; EINECS: 245-883-5);
PEG-5 Methyl ether (CAS: 23778-52-1; EINECS: 245-874-6);
PEG-6 Methyl ether;
Manufacturers
References
[1]: ChemIDplus. 9004-74-4, Polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether
Update: 20130928(1); 20191021(2);