Polyethylene Glycol PEG-2000 (CAS: 25322-68-3) is a linear high-molecular-weight compound polymerized from ethylene oxide monomers. Its molecular formula can be expressed as H(OCH₂CH₂)nOH, with an average molecular weight of approximately 2000. Each end of the molecular chain contains an active hydroxyl group, providing good chemical reactivity, making it an important intermediate for synthesizing nonionic surfactants such as polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters and polyethers. This product is supplied by Hai'an Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. (Guoli Chemical) and is trusted by users in various industries due to its stable chemical structure and excellent compatibility.
In terms of physical form, PEG-2000 appears as a white to slightly yellow waxy solid or flakes at room temperature, with uniform color and no significant mechanical impurities. It exhibits typical thermal reversibility—it melts into a transparent viscous liquid when heated to approximately 50–55°C and returns to a solid state upon cooling, making it convenient for processing operations. Additionally, this product has low volatility and good thermal stability, with a flash point greater than 220°C, ensuring no evaporation or decomposition under normal processing temperatures, thereby guaranteeing process safety and product consistency.
From a chemical performance perspective, PEG-2000 is a nonionic substance that is compatible with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic materials. It is resistant to acids, alkalis, and hard water, maintaining stable performance over a wide pH range and under various water quality conditions. The product also exhibits good hygroscopicity and water retention capabilities, significantly increasing the solubility of poorly soluble substances and effectively reducing oil-water interfacial tension to form stable emulsions. In terms of toxicology, PEG-2000 is classified as a low-toxicity substance, with an oral LD₅₀ in rats far exceeding 2000 mg/kg. It is non-irritating to the skin and eyes, non-sensitizing to the skin, and safe for use.
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
| Product Name | Polyethylene Glycol PEG-2000 |
| CAS Number | 25322-68-3 |
| Aliases | PEG-2000; Polyethylene Glycol 2000; Macrogol 2000; Carbowax 2000; Polyoxyethylene 2000; α-Hydro-ω-hydroxypolyoxyethylene |
| Molecular Formula | H(OCH₂CH₂)nOH |
| Average Molecular Weight | Approximately 2000 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow waxy solid or flakes |
| Melting Range | Approximately 50–55°C |
| Flash Point | >220°C (closed cup) |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| Solubility | Water-soluble |
| pH Applicability | Wide pH range (resistant to acids and alkalis) |
Pharmaceutical Field: PEG-2000 is an important excipient in pharmaceutical preparations. It can be used as a base for suppositories, ointments, and dripping pills, utilizing its suitable melting range (50–55°C) and good water solubility as a drug carrier to promote drug release and absorption. In tablet manufacturing, it serves as a binder and lubricant to improve forming and demolding properties; it can also be added to film coating solutions as a plasticizer to enhance film flexibility and adhesion. In the field of injections, it can be used to solubilize poorly soluble drugs and as a freeze-drying protectant for protein drugs.
Cosmetics and Personal Care: With its good hygroscopicity and water retention capabilities, PEG-2000 is used as a humectant and emollient in skin care products such as creams and lotions, providing long-lasting moisturizing effects and improving skin feel and spreadability. It also acts as a viscosity modifier and emulsion stabilizer, helping to build stable multiple emulsion structures and enhance product smoothness.
Textile Industry: PEG-2000 can adsorb onto fiber surfaces to form a hydrophilic film, functioning as an antistatic agent to reduce surface resistance and minimize static buildup, while imparting a smooth and soft hand feel to fabrics. In synthetic fiber spinning and post-processing, it can be used as a smoothing agent and bundling agent component in spinning oils, reducing fiber friction to ensure spinnability and filament uniformity.
Coatings, Inks, and Adhesives: In water-based systems, PEG-2000 acts as a dispersant to help uniformly disperse pigments and fillers, adjusting the thixotropy and leveling properties of the system to prevent sedimentation. In adhesives, it enhances the flexibility of the bonding layer and appropriately extends the open time.
Other Industrial Applications: In the paper industry, it is used for sizing and moisturizing; in metalworking fluids, as an additive for water-based cutting fluids and a component of mold release agents; in daily chemical products, as a thickening and moisturizing auxiliary; in addition, it is used as a precursor for esterification/etherification in the synthesis of nonionic surfactants, widely applied in emulsification, dispersion, leveling, and other formulations.
When handling PEG-2000, it is recommended to wear basic protective gloves and maintain good ventilation in the working environment. When handling the molten product, take precautions to prevent high-temperature burns (melting temperature 50–55°C) by wearing insulated gloves and protective gear. The operating temperature should be controlled between room temperature and 70°C to avoid localized overheating that may cause thermal decomposition. The product should be stored sealed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse, with a recommended storage temperature of 5–30°C, away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong bases, and protected from direct sunlight and high temperatures. This product is not classified as a dangerous chemical and is non-irritating to the skin and eyes under normal use conditions. In case of contact, simply rinse with water.