Polyethylene Glycol PEG-600 (CAS: 25322-68-3) is a non-ionic high-molecular-weight compound prepared by ring-opening polymerization of ethylene oxide (EO) with water or ethylene glycol. Its molecular backbone consists of repeating ether bonds (-O-) and ethylene (-CH₂CH₂-) units, with a terminal hydroxyl group (-OH) at each end, making it a typical linear polyether polyol.
The "600" in PEG-600 indicates its average molecular weight of approximately 600 (actual range 570–630), corresponding to a degree of polymerization (n) of about 12–14 ethylene oxide units. PEG in this molecular weight range appears as a colorless to slightly yellow viscous liquid at room temperature, and as a waxy solid at low temperatures. It exhibits good water solubility, moisture retention, and lubricity, all of which stem from the hydrogen bonding between the numerous ether oxygen groups in its molecular structure and water molecules.
As a single-component polymer product, PEG-600 contains no other additives. Its core functionality is entirely determined by the physicochemical properties conferred by the molecular chain length (i.e., molecular weight). Different molecular weight grades of PEG (e.g., PEG-200, PEG-400, PEG-600, PEG-1000, etc.) differ in viscosity, freezing point, hygroscopicity, etc., to meet various application requirements.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Polyethylene Glycol 600 / α-Hydro-ω-hydroxypolyoxyethylene |
| CAS Number | 25322-68-3 |
| General Formula | HO-(CH₂CH₂O)n-H |
| Average Molecular Weight | 570–630 |
| Degree of Polymerization n | Approximately 12–14 |
| Main Functional Groups | Terminal hydroxyl (-OH), ether bond (C-O-C) |
| Ion Type | Non-ionic |
| Appearance | Colorless to slightly yellow viscous liquid (waxy solid at low temperature) |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in water, ethanol, and various organic solvents |
With its unique molecular structure and physicochemical properties, PEG-600 is widely used in multiple industries:
This product is non-hazardous, non-irritating to the skin, and mildly irritating to the eyes. It is recommended to wear chemical safety goggles and protective gloves during operation. It should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, with the container kept tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption, away from strong oxidizers and strong acids and bases.