What are the main components of PEG-800?

The main component of PEG-800 is the polyethylene glycol polymer, with the chemical formula HO(C₂H₄O)nH, formed by ring-opening polymerization of ethylene oxide (EO), with an active content of ≥99%.

Detailed Description

Polyethylene glycol PEG-800 (CAS: 25322-68-3) is essentially a linear homopolymer of ethylene oxide (C₂H₄O), with each chain end bearing a terminal hydroxyl group (-OH), hence also commonly referred to as polyoxyethylene glycol. According to technical data from the Guoli Chemical Database, the degree of polymerization n of this product ranges from approximately 15 to 20, corresponding to an average molecular weight range of 700–900, and a white to off-white waxy solid appearance at room temperature.

This product is a non-ionic water-soluble polymer with stable chemical properties, resistant to side reactions with other substances. Its active content is as high as ≥99%, with very low impurity levels (moisture ≤1.0%, acid value ≤1 mg KOH/g), essentially consisting of pure polyethylene glycol. Due to the absence of ionic groups in its molecular structure, it does not undergo ionization in water and maintains efficient performance even in hard water environments, with excellent chemical compatibility, being resistant to acids and alkalis.

The hydroxyl value of PEG-800 ranges from 125 to 160 mg KOH/g, which directly reflects the content of active hydroxyl groups at the ends of the molecular chains and is the key structural basis for its functions such as solubilization, moisturization, and lubrication.

Technical Parameters

(Data source: Guoli Chemical Product Database)

Application Recommendations

Since PEG-800 is almost pure high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol with no additional ingredients, it can be directly used as a functional raw material in pharmaceutical, daily chemical, and industrial fields:

• Pharmaceutical Field: Used as an ointment base, suppository base, and drop pill excipient, leveraging its excellent biocompatibility and extremely low physiological toxicity to regulate drug release rates.
• Personal Care Products: As a humectant and emollient, forming a protective film in skin creams and facial cleansers to reduce moisture evaporation.
• Industrial Lubrication: Used in metalworking fluids, wire drawing lubricants, and rubber mold release agents, significantly improving process smoothness and product surface finish.
• Textile Industry: As a sizing agent and soft finishing agent, enhancing yarn bundling and imparting a soft, full handfeel to fabrics.

Precautions

• The product has certain hygroscopicity; after opening, it should be sealed and stored promptly in a cool, dry place, with a recommended storage temperature not exceeding 40°C.
• This product has a high active content (≥99%) and can be directly incorporated into formulations without adding other stabilizing components.
• If special requirements exist for trace free alcohols (≤0.5%) or other trace indicators, it is recommended to confirm batch test data with the Guoli Chemical Technical Team before application.