Polyethylene Glycol PEG-300 is a non-ionic, multi-purpose polymer with an average molecular weight of approximately 300, appearing as a colorless to slightly yellowish transparent viscous liquid, widely used in pharmaceutical, personal care, industrial, and agricultural sectors.
Detailed Description
Polyethylene Glycol PEG-300 (CAS No.: 25322-68-3) is a linear high-molecular-weight compound polymerized from ethylene oxide with water or ethylene glycol, with the general chemical formula HO(C₂H₄O)ₙH, and an average degree of polymerization n≈6. As a non-ionic surfactant, it possesses excellent chemical stability, tolerating acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments, while its low volatility ensures long-lasting lubrication and moisturizing effects.
This product's core strengths lie in its outstanding emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and solubilizing capabilities, significantly enhancing formulation uniformity. With an HLB value of approximately 16.5, it is readily soluble in polar solvents such as water, ethanol, and acetone, demonstrating exceptional compatibility. In the pharmaceutical field, due to its good biocompatibility and low toxicity, PEG-300 is commonly used as an ointment base, suppository base, dropping pill carrier, and injection solvent; in the personal care industry, it serves as an efficient humectant and lubricant, widely incorporated into skincare products, shampoos, and toothpaste.
In industrial applications, PEG-300 can act as a solvent and plasticizer in coatings and inks, improving their leveling properties; it provides lubricating and antistatic functions in textile and paper processing; and serves as a release agent in rubber products as well as a dispersion medium for vulcanization accelerators. Additionally, in the agricultural sector, it functions as a pesticide emulsifier and spreading agent, enhancing the wetting and spreading ability of the solution on plant surfaces.
Technical Specifications
| Item |
Specification |
| CAS No. |
25322-68-3 |
| Appearance (25℃) |
Colorless to slightly yellowish transparent viscous liquid |
| Ionic Type |
Non-ionic |
| Average Molecular Weight |
285～315 |
| Active Content |
≥99% |
| pH Value (1% aqueous solution) |
4.5～7.5 |
| HLB Value |
16.5 |
| Hydroxyl Value (mgKOH/g) |
356～394 |
| Density (g/cm³) |
1.11～1.13 |
| Kinematic Viscosity (mm²/s, 25℃) |
60～75 |
| Freezing Point |
-15～-8℃ |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) |
>200℃ |
| Moisture Content |
≤1.0% |
| Acid Value (mgKOH/g) |
≤0.2 |
| Surface Tension (mN/m) |
Approx. 44.5 |
| Solubility |
Readily soluble in water, ethanol, acetone |
Application Recommendations
- Pharmaceutical Preparations: As a water-soluble ointment or suppository base, adjust the dosage according to formulation consistency requirements, typically constituting 5% to 30% of the total formula. When used as a dropping pill carrier, its excellent dispersing properties can enhance drug dissolution.
- Personal Care Products: As a humectant and lubricant in skincare products and shampoos, the recommended addition amount is 2% to 8%, significantly improving the moisturizing feel and application smoothness.
- Coatings and Inks: As a solvent or plasticizer, the suggested dosage is 1% to 5% of the total formula, helping to improve leveling and prevent premature surface drying.
- Pesticide Formulations: When used as an emulsifier and spreading agent, the recommended dosage is 3% to 10% of the total formulation, enhancing the wetting and spreading of the solution on plant foliage, thereby improving efficacy.
- Industrial Lubrication and Antistatic: In textile and paper processing, it is recommended to use as a 1% to 3% aqueous solution, effectively reducing friction and static electricity.
Precautions
- This product is hygroscopic. Reseal promptly after opening and avoid prolonged exposure to humid air to prevent increased moisture content that may affect performance.
- Recommended storage temperature is 5℃ to 40℃. Avoid freezing or prolonged exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight. Solidification may occur under low winter temperatures; this is a normal physical phenomenon, and the product will return to a liquid state upon warming to room temperature.
- Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents (such as peroxides, permanganates, concentrated nitric acid, etc.) during handling. It is recommended to keep operating temperatures within the safe range of below 170℃.
- Toxicological assessment classifies this product as practically non-toxic, non-irritating to skin, and non-sensitizing. However, contact with eyes may cause slight irritation; wearing protective goggles during handling is advised.
- Disposal should comply with local regulations; do not discharge directly into water bodies. This product is readily biodegradable and will not inhibit wastewater treatment systems at normal industrial discharge concentrations.
