Question

How to store polyethylene glycol PEG-800? What is the shelf life?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 聚乙二醇PEG-800

Polyethylene glycol PEG-800 should be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, with temperature not exceeding 40°C, avoiding moisture absorption and direct sunlight. Regarding shelf life, Guoli Chemical Product Database has no clear shelf life data, but based on its excellent chemical stability, it can usually be stored for a long time under proper storage conditions.

Detailed Explanation

Polyethylene glycol PEG-800 (CAS No.: 25322-68-3) is a non-ionic water-soluble polymer with high chemical stability, appearing as a white waxy solid at room temperature. The key points for its storage are moisture prevention and temperature control. Since PEG-800 has certain hygroscopicity, prolonged exposure to humid air will gradually absorb moisture, potentially leading to product caking or a decrease in active ingredient content; therefore, container sealing is crucial.

Under recommended storage conditions (cool, dry, well-ventilated, temperature ≤40°C), PEG-800 hardly undergoes chemical degradation. The product is non-flammable, non-volatile, and does not react with common packaging materials, endowing it with excellent long-term storage potential. If the packaging is intact and uncontaminated, the product can maintain its key performance indicators (such as hydroxyl value, viscosity, pH value) within qualified range for many years after production.

Key Storage Conditions

Storage FactorSpecific Requirements
TemperatureNot exceeding 40°C. Low-temperature storage can maintain stable properties (melting point 28~32°C. High ambient temperature may cause product softening or partial melting).
HumidityMaintain dry environment; container must be sealed to prevent moisture absorption (moisture content indicator ≤1.0%).
LightAvoid direct sunlight; store in a cool place in the warehouse.
ContainerKeep original packaging sealed; reseal promptly after opening. Common packaging specifications: 50kg plastic drum, 200kg plastic drum, IBC tote.
Isolation RequirementsKeep away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases, and other incompatible substances; stay away from heat sources and open flames.
Safety ManagementFloor should be treated for slip resistance (solid PEG leakage may cause slip hazard); storage area should be equipped with inert absorbent materials.

Application Suggestions

To ensure usage effects, it is recommended to follow the "first-in, first-out" principle. After each use, immediately seal the container to avoid prolonged exposure to air. If the product shows obvious discoloration, odor, or severe moisture-caking due to improper storage, quality testing is recommended before deciding whether to continue using. In applications with high purity requirements, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, storage conditions should be strictly controlled.

Precautions

  • The closed-cup flash point of PEG-800 is approximately 240~270°C. Although it is not flammable, it may melt or even burn at high temperatures; stay away from open flames.
  • When melting or heating the product, the temperature should not be too high to avoid generating irritating vapors or degradation products.
  • This product is not classified as dangerous goods and has no special transportation restrictions; however, during transportation, attention should still be paid to intact packaging and avoidance of damage and water ingress.
  • For specific shelf life, it is recommended to refer to the batch validity period indicated on the product outer label, or directly contact Guoli Chemical manufacturer for batch guarantee period.