Question

What are the main components of Polyethylene Glycol PEG-4000/6000?

Answer
2026-05-27 官方文档 聚乙二醇PEG-4000/6000

The main component of Polyethylene Glycol PEG-4000/6000 is a high molecular polymer of ethylene oxide, with an active content of ≥99%, and the molecular formula is HO(C₂H₄O)nH.

Detailed Description

According to the product database of Guoli Chemical, Polyethylene Glycol PEG-4000/6000 (CAS No.: 25322-68-3) is a non-ionic high molecular polymer, whose chemical essence is a linear polyether formed by the polymerization reaction of ethylene oxide (C₂H₄O). The molecular structure has hydroxyl groups (-OH) at both ends and repeating ethoxy units (-CH₂CH₂O-) in the middle, with the general formula HO(C₂H₄O)nH. Among them, the degree of polymerization n for PEG-4000 is approximately 70~85, with an average molecular weight in the range of 3400~4000; for PEG-6000, the degree of polymerization n is approximately 130~200, with an average molecular weight in the range of 5400~6600.

This product has extremely high purity, with an active content of ≥99%, and is a high-purity single-component polymer material. In terms of product composition, besides the main polymer component, it only contains trace impurities, including free alcohols (≤0.5%) and moisture (≤1.0%). The product does not contain components such as phosphate monoesters, phosphate diesters, or free phosphoric acid, nor does it contain tertiary amine components. It is a high-purity industrial raw material with a simple and clear chemical composition.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemPEG-4000/6000 Indicator
Main ComponentPolyethylene Glycol (Ethylene Oxide Polymer)
CAS No.25322-68-3
Molecular FormulaHO(C₂H₄O)nH
Degree of Polymerization n≈70~200
Average Molecular Weight3400~6600
Active Content≥99%
Free Alcohols≤0.5%
Moisture≤1.0%
Ionic TypeNon-ionic
AppearanceWhite waxy solid or granules
Heat Resistance (Flash Point)>240℃
Heavy Metals (as Pb)≤10 mg/kg
Arsenic (As)≤2 mg/kg

Application Suggestions

Due to its main component being high-purity polyethylene glycol polymer with clear functionality and extremely low impurity content, PEG-4000/6000 has good formulation controllability in the following application areas: in the pharmaceutical field as ointment bases, suppository bases, and pill carriers; in daily chemical products as toothpaste humectants and skincare excipients; in the textile industry as antistatic agents and lubricants; in the rubber and plastics industry as mold release agents; in the paper industry as coating lubricants. Because the content of heavy metals and arsenic is extremely low (≤10 mg/kg and ≤2 mg/kg respectively), it is particularly suitable for fields with strict purity requirements such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products.

Precautions

  • The product has strong hygroscopicity. Keep the container sealed during storage, and it is recommended to store in a cool, dry environment at 10~30℃.
  • Although the main component is chemically stable, there is a risk of dust explosion (St1 level) when fine dust mixes with air to a certain concentration. The operating area should be away from ignition sources and equipped with ventilation and dust removal facilities.
  • The acute oral toxicity LD50 of this product is >5000 mg/kg, belonging to the practically non-toxic level. However, prolonged or repeated direct skin contact should still be avoided to prevent degreasing and drying.