Question

What are the physicochemical technical parameters of polyethylene glycol PEG-600?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 聚乙二醇PEG-600

Polyethylene glycol PEG-600 is a nonionic high-molecular compound, appearing as a colorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid or semi-solid (waxy at low temperatures). It has excellent emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and solubilizing properties, with an HLB value as high as 19, making it a highly hydrophilic surfactant.

Detailed Description

Polyethylene glycol PEG-600 (CAS No.: 25322-68-3) is a linear high-molecular compound obtained by stepwise addition polymerization of ethylene oxide with water or ethylene glycol. Its molecular formula is HO(C2H4O)nH, where n is approximately 12~14, and the molecular weight ranges from 570 to 630. At room temperature, it appears as a colorless to slightly yellow viscous liquid, which solidifies into a waxy semi-solid at low temperatures (15~25°C). This product is a nonionic surfactant with high tolerance to acids, bases, and hard water, exhibiting excellent chemical stability and is not easily decomposed at room temperature.

Due to the ability of ether oxygen groups to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, PEG-600 has significant hygroscopicity and excellent water solubility. It is miscible with water in any proportion and also soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone. Its cloud point exceeds 100°C (1% aqueous solution), indicating that the system remains clear under boiling water at normal pressure, a characteristic that offers unique advantages in processes requiring high-temperature operations. The product has low foaming properties, with a surface tension of approximately 44 mN\/m, making it a low-foam additive suitable for industrial applications where excessive foam is undesirable.

This product is an industrial-grade product manufactured by Guoli Chemical in strict accordance with standards, with an active content of ≥99%, moisture content controlled at ≤1.0%, total heavy metals ≤20 mg\/kg, and arsenic content ≤2 mg\/kg, meeting the quality requirements for various fields such as pharmaceuticals and daily chemicals. Available packaging options include 50kg plastic drums, 200kg plastic drums, and IBC totes.

Technical Parameters

The following is the main physicochemical technical parameter table of polyethylene glycol PEG-600 produced by Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. (Data source: Guoli Chemical product database):

Parameter ItemIndicator\/Value
CAS No.25322-68-3
Molecular FormulaHO(C2H4O)nH, n ≈ 12~14
Molecular Weight570 - 630
AppearanceColorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid or semi-solid (waxy at low temperatures)
Ion TypeNonionic
Active Content \/ Solid Content≥99%
Moisture≤1.0%
Density (25°C)1.11 - 1.13 g\/cm³
Melting Point \/ Freezing Point15 - 25°C
Refractive Index1.466 - 1.468
Kinematic Viscosity (40°C)13 - 17 mm²\/s
Low Shear Viscosity (25°C)100 - 150 mPa·s
Flash Point≥220°C
HLB Value19
Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution)>100°C
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0 - 7.0
pH Value (5% Aqueous Solution)4.5 - 7.5
Surface Tension (1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C)Approximately 44 mN\/m
Hydroxyl Value178 - 196 mgKOH\/g
Acid Value≤0.5 mgKOH\/g
Iodine Value≤0.1 gI2\/100g
Free Alcohol≤0.1%
Heavy Metals≤20 mg\/kg
Arsenic≤2 mg\/kg
Foaming PropertyLow foam
HygroscopicityHygroscopic
Chemical StabilityStable at room temperature, not easily decomposed
Alkali ResistanceStable
SolubilityEasily soluble in water, ethanol, acetone
CMC (Critical Micelle Concentration)Not available
Saponification ValueNot available
Penetration PowerNot available

Application Suggestions

Based on the above physicochemical parameters, PEG-600 offers outstanding advantages in the following application scenarios:

  • Pharmaceutical Field: With an HLB value as high as 19 and excellent water solubility, it is an ideal choice for ointment bases, suppository bases, and drop pill carriers. The hydroxyl value of 178~196 mgKOH\/g indicates moderate activity of the terminal hydroxyl groups, facilitating drug dispersion and release.
  • Personal Care Products: Low irritation (non-irritating to skin), good hygroscopic and moisturizing properties, and low foam characteristics make it suitable for use as a humectant and viscosity regulator in creams, lotions, facial cleansers, and other products.
  • Metalworking Fluids: The high flash point of ≥220°C ensures safety during high-temperature operations, and the kinematic viscosity of 13~17 mm²\/s (40°C) provides an excellent balance of lubrication and cooling performance.
  • Pesticide Formulations: Excellent solubilization and dispersion capabilities combined with low foam properties prevent excessive foam during field dilution and application, while the surface tension of approximately 44 mN\/m helps the liquid spread and penetrate on leaf surfaces.
  • Ceramics and Coatings: Good dispersion stability and chemical stability play an important role in slurry preparation and film leveling.

Precautions

  • Moisture Protection: The product is hygroscopic. After opening, it should be sealed promptly and stored in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption leading to excessive moisture content affecting performance.
  • Temperature Control: The freezing point (melting point) is 15~25°C. At low temperatures, the product may solidify into a solid. Before use, it can be slowly heated in a warm water bath (not exceeding 40°C) to return to a liquid state, avoiding localized overheating.
  • Safety Protection: Although this product is non-irritating to the skin, it is mildly irritating to the eyes. It is recommended to wear chemical safety goggles and protective gloves during operation.
  • Incompatibility: Avoid mixing or storing with strong oxidizers (such as peroxides, hypochlorites, permanganates) and strong acids or strong bases to prevent chemical reactions.
  • Packaging Specifications: Depending on the required quantity, choose 50kg plastic drums, 200kg plastic drums, or IBC totes. Do not store other materials in empty containers before thorough cleaning.