Question

What are the main components of polyethylene glycol PEG-300?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 聚乙二醇PEG-300

The main component of polyethylene glycol PEG-300 is polyethylene glycol itself, with an effective content of ≥99%. It is a linear high-molecular polymer formed by stepwise addition polymerization of ethylene oxide with water or ethylene glycol.

Detailed Description

The chemical nature of polyethylene glycol PEG-300 is α-hydro-ω-hydroxy poly(ethylene glycol), with the general molecular formula HO(C₂H₄O)nH, where n≈6 (average degree of polymerization). Its main chain consists of repeating ethylene oxide units (—CH₂CH₂O—), each end of the molecular chain carries an active hydroxyl group (—OH), and it belongs to a typical linear nonionic high-molecular compound.

This product is prepared by anionic ring-opening polymerization of ethylene oxide in the presence of an initiator (water or ethylene glycol), yielding a mixture of homologs with various degrees of polymerization (n values). The average molecular weight ranges from 285 to 315. The “300” in the name PEG-300 indicates that its average molecular weight is about 300. Guoli Chemical's PEG-300 has extremely high purity, with an active substance content of ≥99% and free alcohol content of ≤0.2%. It is a high-purity nonionic surfactant.

From the composition perspective, PEG-300 contains no ionic groups and is nonionic (ionic type: nonionic). It contains no components such as phosphate monoester, phosphate diester, or bound phosphorus. At room temperature, it is a colorless to slightly yellowish transparent viscous liquid, almost odorless, easily soluble in water, ethanol and acetone, and has good chemical stability and biocompatibility.

Technical Parameters

ParameterSpecification/ValueData Source
Chemical Nameα-hydro-ω-hydroxy poly(ethylene glycol) (300)Guoli Chemical Product Database
Molecular FormulaHO(C₂H₄O)nH, n≈6 (average)Guoli Chemical Product Database
CAS Number25322-68-3Guoli Chemical Product Database
Average Molecular Weight285–315Guoli Chemical Product Database
Active Content (Active Substance)≥99%Guoli Chemical Product Database
Ionic TypeNonionicGuoli Chemical Product Database
Free Alcohol≤0.2%Guoli Chemical Product Database
Moisture≤1.0%Guoli Chemical Product Database
AppearanceColorless to slightly yellowish transparent viscous liquidGuoli Chemical Product Database
Hydroxyl Value356–394 mgKOH/gGuoli Chemical Product Database
pH Value (1% aqueous solution)4.5–7.5Guoli Chemical Product Database

Application Suggestions

The high purity characteristics of PEG-300 make it very suitable for fields with strict safety requirements: in the pharmaceutical industry, it can be used as ointment base, suppository base, pill core carrier and injection solvent; in the daily chemical industry, it is added to skincare products and toothpaste as an efficient moisturizing and lubricating ingredient; in pesticide formulations, it serves as an emulsifier and spreading agent. Its nonionic nature allows it to function stably in acidic, alkaline and hard water environments, with excellent compatibility.

Precautions

  • This product is hygroscopic; reseal promptly after opening to avoid prolonged exposure to humid air, as moisture absorption may affect the effective content.
  • During handling, avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents (such as peroxides, permanganates, concentrated nitric acid, etc.) to prevent hazardous reactions.
  • Recommended storage temperature is 5°C to 40°C; avoid freezing (freezing point approx. -15°C to -8°C) or prolonged exposure to high temperatures.