Question

What are the physicochemical technical parameters of polyethylene glycol PEG-2000?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 聚乙二醇PEG-2000

Polyethylene glycol PEG-2000 is a non-ionic water-soluble polymer. At room temperature, it appears as a white waxy solid with a melting point of 45~55℃, an HLB value of up to 20, and possesses excellent hydrophilicity and chemical stability.

Detailed Description

Polyethylene glycol PEG-2000 (CAS No.: 25322-68-3) is a linear polymer compound polymerized from ethylene oxide, with the molecular formula HO(C₂H₄O)nH, a degree of polymerization n of about 20~50, and an average molecular weight range of 1800~2200. The product carries active hydroxyl groups at the ends, which can serve as precursors for esterification/etherification reactions, used to synthesize a series of non-ionic surfactants such as polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters and polyethers.

At room temperature, this product is a white to off-white waxy solid or flake with uniform color. Upon melting, it becomes a transparent viscous liquid, and upon cooling, it returns to a solid state, exhibiting good thermal reversibility. Its non-ionic nature allows it to be well compatible with anionic, cationic, and other non-ionic substances. It maintains stable performance over a wide pH range (pH 4.5~7.5 for a 1% aqueous solution) and under different water quality conditions, with excellent resistance to acid, alkali, and hard water.

With its excellent hygroscopicity and water retention capacity, PEG-2000 is widely used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles, papermaking, metal processing, coatings, and inks. Its flash point is >240℃, and it is not classified as a dangerous chemical. Under normal use conditions, it is non-irritating to skin and eyes and has high safety.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemTechnical IndicatorData Source
CAS No.25322-68-3Guoli Chemical Product Database
Molecular FormulaHO(C₂H₄O)nH, n≈20~50Guoli Chemical Product Database
Average Molecular Weight1800~2200Guoli Chemical Product Database
AppearanceWhite to off-white waxy solid or flakeGuoli Chemical Product Database
Ion TypeNon-ionicGuoli Chemical Product Database
HLB Value20Guoli Chemical Product Database
Melting Point45~55℃Guoli Chemical Product Database
Density1.21 g/cm³Guoli Chemical Product Database
Flash Point>240℃ (Closed cup method)Guoli Chemical Product Database
Kinematic Viscosity50~65 mm²/s (100℃)Guoli Chemical Product Database
Refractive Index1.459 (60℃, molten state)Guoli Chemical Product Database
Cloud Point>100℃ (1% aqueous solution)Guoli Chemical Product Database
Surface TensionApprox. 63 mN/m (1% aqueous solution, 25℃)Guoli Chemical Product Database
pH Value (1%/5% aqueous solution)4.5~7.5Guoli Chemical Product Database
Active Content/Solid Content≥99%Guoli Chemical Product Database
Hydroxyl Value51~62 mg KOH/gGuoli Chemical Product Database
Acid Value≤0.5 mg KOH/gGuoli Chemical Product Database
Saponification Value≤1Guoli Chemical Product Database
Iodine Value≤1Guoli Chemical Product Database
Moisture Content≤0.5%Guoli Chemical Product Database
Heavy Metals≤5 mg/kgGuoli Chemical Product Database
Arsenic≤2 mg/kgGuoli Chemical Product Database
Water SolubilityEasily soluble in waterGuoli Chemical Product Database
HygroscopicityHygroscopicGuoli Chemical Product Database
Foaming PropertiesLow foamingGuoli Chemical Product Database
Chemical StabilityStable, incompatible with strong oxidizersGuoli Chemical Product Database
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)NoneGuoli Chemical Product Database
Packaging Specifications200kg iron drum, 50kg plastic drumGuoli Chemical Product Database

Application Recommendations

Pharmaceutical Field: Utilizing its suitable melting point range (45~55℃) and good water solubility, it is recommended for use as a suppository base, ointment base, and pill matrix. In tablet preparation, it can be used as a binder and lubricant, with the recommended dosage adjusted according to the specific formulation process. When used as a solubilizer for injections, special attention should be paid to compliance with heavy metal (≤5 mg/kg) and arsenic (≤2 mg/kg) indicators.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: With an HLB value of 20 for hydrophilic properties and excellent hygroscopicity, it is recommended for use in formulations such as moisturizing creams, lotions, and cleansing products as a humectant and emollient. Its low foaming property makes it suitable for use in low-foam or foam-free formulations, and it has good compatibility with various types of surfactants.

Industrial Applications: In the textile industry, it serves as an antistatic agent and softener, forming a hydrophilic film on the fiber surface due to its water solubility; in metalworking fluids, it acts as a lubricating enhancer, with kinematic viscosities of 50~65 mm²/s at 100℃ providing good high-temperature lubrication performance; in paint and ink systems, it is used as a dispersant and rheology modifier, facilitating the uniform dispersion of pigments and fillers.

Precautions

  • Storage Conditions: Recommended storage temperature 5~30℃, sealed and stored in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture. Avoid storing in the same area as strong oxidizers.
  • Operating Temperature: