Question

What is Polyethylene Glycol PEG-600

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 聚乙二醇PEG-600

Polyethylene Glycol PEG-600 is a non-ionic high molecular weight polymer with an average molecular weight of approximately 600, featuring excellent emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and solubilizing properties as its core advantages. It is widely used in pharmaceuticals, personal care, metalworking, textiles, agrochemicals, and many other industries.

Detailed Description

Polyethylene Glycol PEG-600 (CAS No.: 25322-68-3) is a non-ionic surfactant produced by Hai'an Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd., also known as Polyethylene Glycol 600, Polyoxyethylene 600, Macrogol 600, or Polyethylene glycol 600. It appears as a colorless to slightly yellowish viscous liquid, which may become a waxy solid at low temperatures.

This product is synthesized by the stepwise addition polymerization of ethylene oxide with water or ethylene glycol. Its molecular structure contains numerous ether oxygen groups ( -CH₂CH₂O- ), which impart excellent hydrophilicity and hydrogen bonding capabilities. Its core functional properties include outstanding emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and solubilizing performance, along with high tolerance to acids, alkalis, and hard water, offering excellent chemical stability in complex formulation systems.

In terms of safety, according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), this product is not classified as hazardous. The acute oral toxicity LD₅₀ in rats is greater than 2000 mg/kg, it is non-irritating to the skin, and mildly irritating to the eyes. The product is combustible but not flammable, and it remains stable under normal storage conditions.

Technical Parameters

ParameterSpecification/Description
Product NamePolyethylene Glycol PEG-600
CAS No.25322-68-3
Product TypeNon-ionic Surfactant / High Molecular Weight Polymer
AppearanceColorless to slightly yellowish viscous liquid (waxy solid at low temperatures)
Ionic NatureNon-ionic
SolubilityEasily soluble in water and many organic solvents
Acid ResistanceHigh tolerance
Alkali ResistanceHigh tolerance
Hard Water ResistanceHigh tolerance
Skin IrritationNon-irritating (rabbit test)
Eye IrritationMildly irritating (rabbit test)
Acute Toxicity (LD₅₀)>2000 mg/kg (oral, rat)
Average Molecular WeightApproximately 600

Note: The database currently does not contain exact values for detailed physicochemical parameters such as HLB value, hydroxyl value, density, viscosity, pour point, or pH. For these parameters, please contact Guoli Chemical's technical department for a complete Certificate of Analysis (COA).

Application Recommendations

Pharmaceutical Field: Used as a water-soluble carrier for ointment bases and suppositories, leveraging its good water solubility and appropriate consistency to facilitate easy spreading and cleaning of medications; as a solid dispersion carrier for dropping pills to improve the dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs; as a solubilizer and suspending agent in injections and oral formulations to enhance drug bioavailability.

Personal Care and Cosmetics: Acts as a humectant by forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules via ether oxygen groups to lock in moisture; as an emulsion stabilizer in lotions and creams to strengthen the oil-water interface film and prevent separation; as a superfatting agent in cleansing products to reduce the tightness caused by surfactants.

Industrial Applications: Used as a lubricant and coolant in metalworking fluids, utilizing its boundary lubrication properties and reverse solubility to provide effective protection at high temperatures; as a dispersant in ceramic and pigment slurries to prevent particle agglomeration; as an internal lubricant and mold release agent in rubber and plastic processing to improve flowability and release performance.

Textile and Paper: Acts as an antistatic agent by forming a hydrophilic film on fiber surfaces to dissipate static charges, while also serving as a leveling agent to prevent uneven dyeing; used in papermaking for felt cleaning, penetrating and dissolving resin and adhesive deposits.

Agrochemicals: Serves as an emulsifier and dispersant in pesticide formulations, allowing active ingredient oil droplets or particles to disperse rapidly and uniformly in water, and promotes target penetration by reducing the surface tension of the spray solution, thereby improving pesticide efficacy.

Precautions

  • Protective Measures: Wear chemical safety goggles and suitable protective gloves (such as nitrile rubber or polyvinyl alcohol gloves) during handling to avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact.
  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse. Keep containers tightly closed to prevent moisture absorption. Recommended storage temperature should not exceed 40°C. Keep away from ignition sources, heat, and direct sunlight.
  • Compatibility: Store separately from strong oxidizing agents (such as peroxides, hypochlorites, permanganates) and strong acids or alkalis, maintaining a safe distance.
  • Emergency Procedures: In case of eye contact, immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. For skin contact, wash thoroughly with running water and soap. If ingested, do not induce vomiting and seek immediate medical attention.
  • Firefighting: This product is combustible. Suitable extinguishing media include water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide. Do not use a direct water jet.
  • Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local and national regulations, preferably through licensed waste treatment facilities for incineration or appropriate treatment. Do not harm the environment.