Question

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

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 聚乙二醇PEG-300

Polyethylene glycol PEG-300 is a multifunctional, high-safety nonionic surfactant, with core features including excellent chemical stability, strong emulsifying and solubilizing capabilities, and broad cross-industry applicability.

Detailed Description

Polyethylene glycol PEG-300 (CAS No.: 25322-68-3) is a colorless to slightly yellow transparent viscous liquid produced by Guoli Chemical, belonging to the nonionic surfactant category. Its molecular weight ranges from 285 to 315, with an average degree of polymerization n≈6. The biggest highlight of this product is its miscibility with various solvents such as water, ethanol, and acetone in any proportion, along with excellent chemical stability that can withstand acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments, making it an ideal choice in many industrial scenarios requiring stable formulations.

In terms of performance, PEG-300 demonstrates strong functionality. Firstly, it has excellent emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and solubilizing capabilities, significantly enhancing the uniformity and stability of formulations. Secondly, the product has extremely low volatility, which endows it with long-lasting moisturizing and lubricating effects, especially suitable for applications requiring sustained moisture or reduced friction. Additionally, its safety and environmental properties are outstanding, with an acute oral toxicity LD50 greater than 20 g/kg (practically non-toxic), non-irritating to skin, non-sensitizing, rapidly biodegradable, and environmentally friendly to aquatic life.

With these characteristics, PEG-300 has an extremely wide range of applications, covering almost multiple fields from high-tech manufacturing to daily consumer goods. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as an ointment base, suppository carrier, and even injection solvent; in the daily chemical industry, it serves as an efficient moisturizing and lubricating ingredient in creams, shampoos, and toothpaste; while in the agricultural sector, it acts as an emulsifier and spreading agent for pesticides, enhancing the spreading ability of the liquid on plant surfaces and improving application efficacy.

Technical Parameters

Parameter CategoryParameter ItemValue/Description
Basic Physical PropertiesAppearanceColorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid
Ionic TypeNonionic
Active Content≥99%
Density1.11~1.13 g/cm³
Kinematic Viscosity60~75 mm²/s
Physicochemical ParametersFreezing Point-15~-8°C
Flash Point (Closed Cup)>200°C
HLB Value16.5
Surface TensionApprox. 44.5 mN/m
Chemical IndicatorsHydroxyl Value356 - 394 mgKOH/g
Acid Value≤0.2 mgKOH/g
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)4.5~7.5
Safety and EcologyAcute Oral Toxicity (LD50)> 20 g/kg (Practically non-toxic)
Skin IrritationNon-irritating
BiodegradabilityReadily biodegradable

Application Suggestions

  • Pharmaceutical Formulation Carrier: Recommended for use as a water-soluble base for ointments and suppositories. It can directly dissolve drugs and form stable, transparent formulations, improving the dispersion uniformity of active ingredients.
  • Personal Care Moisturizing: In creams, facial cleansers, and conditioners, the recommended addition amount is between 1% and 10% (depending on formulation needs), utilizing its strong water retention and low volatility to provide long-lasting emollient feelings.
  • Industrial Lubrication and Antistatic: When used in textile and papermaking processes, it can serve as an effective component of spinning oils or surface antistatic treatment solutions, reducing fiber friction damage and eliminating static accumulation during processing.
  • Agricultural Adjuvant: In pesticide formulations (SC/EW), it is used as an emulsifier and wetting/spreading agent. It is recommended to pre-mix with the pesticide active ingredient, utilizing its high HLB value (16.5) to promote stable dispersion in water and leaf surface adhesion.

Precautions

  • This product is hygroscopic. After opening, reseal immediately and store in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption that could cause content fluctuations or microbial growth.
  • The operating temperature should be controlled within a safe range below 170°C and kept away from strong oxidizing agents. Although non-flammable at high temperatures, it may decompose to produce trace amounts of irritating fumes.
  • Although extremely low in toxicity, standard chemical handling procedures should still be followed. Avoid contact with eyes. If accidentally splashed into eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes.