Question

What is Polyethylene Glycol PEG-300? What are its main uses?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 聚乙二醇PEG-300

Polyethylene Glycol PEG-300 is a non-ionic multifunctional high-molecular polymer, renowned for its excellent emulsifying, solubilizing, wetting, and moisturizing properties, and is widely used in multiple fields such as medicine, daily chemicals, industry, coatings, and agriculture.

Detailed Description

Polyethylene Glycol PEG-300 (CAS No.: 25322-68-3) is a non-ionic surfactant produced by Guoli Chemical, appearing as a colorless to slightly yellow transparent viscous liquid, almost odorless. Its chemical structure is α-hydro-ω-hydroxy polyethylene glycol, with an average molecular weight of about 300, belonging to the low molecular weight polyethylene glycol series. This product is synthesized through the stepwise addition polymerization of ethylene oxide with water or ethylene glycol, and its molecular chain contains numerous ether bonds and terminal hydroxyl groups, granting it excellent hydrophilicity and chemical stability.

PEG-300 exhibits outstanding multifunctional characteristics: excellent emulsifying ability, effectively reducing oil-water interfacial tension to uniformly mix immiscible phases; superior wetting and dispersing properties, promoting uniform distribution of solid particles in liquid media; significant solubilization effect, increasing the solubility of poorly soluble substances in water. At the same time, the product is chemically stable, maintaining good performance in acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments, and has low volatility, ensuring long-lasting lubrication and moisturizing effects.

In terms of safety, PEG-300 is classified as a practically non-toxic substance, with an acute oral LD50 greater than 20 g/kg, non-irritating to the skin, non-sensitizing, and negative for genotoxicity and carcinogenicity assessments. It has good biodegradability, meeting OECD rapid biodegradation standards, and is essentially non-toxic to aquatic organisms, making it an environmentally friendly product.

Technical Parameters

ParameterTechnical Indicator
Product NamePolyethylene Glycol PEG-300
CAS No.25322-68-3
AliasesPEG-300, Polyethylene Glycol 300, Macrogol 300, Polyoxyethylene Glycol 300
Ion TypeNon-ionic
AppearanceColorless to slightly yellow transparent viscous liquid
Flash Point (Closed Cup)195℃~234℃
Autoignition TemperatureApproximately 310℃~350℃
Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50)> 20 g/kg (Practically non-toxic)
Skin IrritationNon-irritating
SensitizationNone
BiodegradabilityReadily biodegradable (Meets OECD standards)
Hazard ClassificationNon-hazardous
Recommended Storage Temperature5℃~40℃
Maximum Operating TemperatureRecommended below 170℃

Application Suggestions

Pharmaceutical Industry: PEG-300 is an important excipient in the pharmaceutical field, used as a water-soluble ointment base, suppository base, drop pill carrier, and injection solvent, as well as a tablet coating and lubricant. Its good biocompatibility and low toxicity make it an indispensable functional excipient in pharmaceutical formulations.

Daily Chemical Industry: As a highly effective moisturizer and lubricant, PEG-300 is widely added to personal care products such as skincare products, shampoos, and toothpaste, effectively improving the moisturizing feel and user experience. It is also a crucial intermediate for synthesizing other surfactants.

Industrial Applications: Provides lubrication and antistatic treatment in papermaking and textile processing; used as a solvent and plasticizer for coatings and inks, improving product leveling and stability; serves as an effective component of mold release agents and a dispersing medium for vulcanization accelerators in rubber products.

Agricultural Field: Used as a pesticide emulsifier and spreader, enhancing the wetting and spreading ability of the spray liquid on plant surfaces, significantly improving pesticide application effectiveness and utilization.

Precautions

  • This product is hygroscopic. Reseal promptly after opening to avoid prolonged exposure to humid air.
  • Wear chemical safety goggles and protective gloves during handling to avoid skin and eye contact.
  • Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents (e.g., peroxides, permanganates, concentrated nitric acid, etc.) to prevent hazardous reactions.
  • Use closed systems for transfer and feeding. Maintain good ventilation at the workplace.
  • Control operating temperature within a safe range below 170℃, away from the flash point temperature.
  • In case of accidental eye contact, immediately rinse with plenty of running water or saline for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention as needed.