Polyethylene Glycol PEG-600 (also known as Polyethylene Glycol 600, Polyoxyethylene 600, Macrogol 600, Polyethylene glycol 600) is a classic nonionic high molecular compound produced by Guoli Chemical, with CAS number 25322-68-3. Its molecular structure contains numerous ether oxygen groups, capable of forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules, imparting excellent water solubility, moisturizing properties, and surface activity to the product.
The prominent feature of this product is its high tolerance to acids, alkalis, and hard water, maintaining stable chemical performance in complex industrial environments. The product has good safety, with an acute oral toxicity LD50 in rats greater than 2000 mg\/kg, non-irritating to skin, and only mildly irritating to eyes, classified as non-hazardous.
PEG-600 leverages the hydrogen bonding of its ether oxygen groups, steric hindrance effect, and surface activity to perform multiple functions such as emulsification, solubilization, dispersion, lubrication, moisturizing, and antistatic in various application scenarios, making it an indispensable multifunctional additive in industrial formulations and pharmaceutical preparations.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Polyethylene Glycol 600 |
| CAS Number | 25322-68-3 |
| Product Type | Nonionic High Molecular Compound |
| Appearance | Colorless to slightly yellow viscous liquid, waxy solid at low temperatures |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| Water Solubility | Excellent |
| Acid Resistance | Good |
| Alkali Resistance | Good |
| Hard Water Resistance | Good |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritating (rabbit test) |
| Eye Irritation | Mild irritation (rabbit test) |
| Acute Toxicity (LD50) | >2000 mg\/kg (oral, rat) |
| Hazard Classification | Non-hazardous |
PEG-600 is widely used in pharmaceuticals: as an ointment base, leveraging its water solubility and appropriate consistency for easy spreading and cleaning; as a suppository base, it dissolves rapidly in body fluids to release the drug; as a pill carrier, it improves the dissolution rate and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs; it can also serve as a solubilizer and suspending agent for injections and oral formulations, enhancing drug solubility and suspension stability.
In cosmetics, PEG-600 is mainly used as a moisturizer and emollient, utilizing ether oxygen groups to absorb and retain moisture from the environment; simultaneously, it acts as an emulsion stabilizer and viscosity regulator, preventing emulsion separation and coalescence; in cleaning products, it can also function as a refatting agent, reducing the tight feeling caused by surfactants.
In metalworking fluids, it serves as a lubricant and coolant, forming a boundary lubricating film to reduce friction; in ceramic and pigment slurries, it acts as a dispersant, preventing particle agglomeration; in rubber and plastic processing, it functions as an internal lubricant and mold release agent, improving flowability; in coatings and inks, it serves as a leveling agent and defoamer, eliminating brush marks and orange peel.
As an antistatic agent and fiber softener, it forms a hydrophilic film on fiber surfaces to dissipate static charges; as a leveling agent, it slows down dye uptake rate to prevent color spots; it can also be used as a cleaning aid for paper machine felts, effectively removing resin and adhesive deposits.
In pesticide formulations, it serves as an emulsifying and dispersing agent, allowing the active ingredient oil droplets or particles to disperse uniformly in water; simultaneously, it acts as a penetrant and synergist, reducing the surface tension of the spray solution, promoting penetration, and improving pesticide utilization.