Polyethylene Glycol #CAS25322-68-3

Polyethylene Glycol #CAS25322-68-3

Polyethylene glycol, abbreviated as "PEG," is a high molecular weight compound formed by the intermolecular dehydration condensation of ethylene glycol. Its chemical formula is HOCH2(CH2OCH2)nCH2OH, where n is greater than 4. According to Chemicalbook, the average molecular weight ranges from 200 to 7000. The number after the product name for PEG indicates its average molecular weight. For example, PEG-400 indicates that the average molecular weight of this commercial PEG is approximately 400.

It is a colorless, viscous liquid or a white solid. It is low in toxicity, soluble in water and many organic solvents, readily soluble in aromatic hydrocarbons, and slightly soluble in aliphatic hydrocarbons. It does not hydrolyze over time, is heat-stable, and does not react with many chemical reagents. Some metal salts are soluble in PEG at approximately 100°C and remain stable at room temperature. These metal salts include chlorides of calcium, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, tin, and zinc, potassium iodide, and ethylmercury, etc. It can be used as a plasticizer, softener, humectant, lubricant, solvent, adhesive, and can also be used to formulate fragrances and in pharmaceutical preparations.

Its properties vary depending on its relative molecular mass, ranging from colorless, odorless viscous liquids to waxy solids. Those with a molecular weight of 200-600 are liquids at room temperature, while those above 600 gradually become semi-solids. Properties also differ with the average molecular weight. It ranges from colorless, odorless viscous liquids to waxy solids. As the molecular weight increases, its hygroscopic capacity decreases accordingly. This product is soluble in water, ethanol, and many other organic solvents. It has a low vapor pressure and is stable to heat, acids, and alkalis. It does not react with many chemicals. It has good hygroscopic, lubricating, and adhesive properties. It is non-toxic and non-irritating. Average molecular weight 300, n=5-5.75, melting point -15-8℃, relative density 1.124-1.130. Average molecular weight 600, n=12-13, melting point 20-25℃, flash point 246℃, relative density 1.13 (20℃). With an average molecular weight of 4000, n=70-85, and a melting point of 53-56℃, polyethylene glycol is generally stable, but it reacts with oxygen in the air at 120℃ or higher. In an inert atmosphere (such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide), it remains unchanged even when heated to 200-240℃, but thermal decomposition occurs at 300℃. Adding antioxidants, such as 0.25%-0.5% phenothiazine by mass, can improve its chemical stability. Any decomposition products are volatile and do not form hard shells or sticky precipitates.

Application of Polyethylene Glycol 

Polyethylene glycol(25322-68-3) is also known as polyoxirane (PEO). It is a linear polyether obtained by ring opening polymerization of ethylene oxide. The main uses in the field of biomedicine are as follows:

Polyethylene Glycol is a binder, coating agent, dispersing agent, flavoring adjuvant, and plasticizing agent that is a clear, colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid resembling paraffin (white, waxy, or flakes), with a ph of 4.0–7.5 in 1:20 concentration. it is soluble in water (mw 1,000) and many organic solvents.

Poly(ethylene Glycol) molecules of approximately 2000 monomers. Poly(ethylene Glycol) is used in various applications from industrial chemistry to biological chemistry. Recent research has shown PEG m aintains the ability to aid the spinal cord injury recovery process, helping the nerve impulse conduction process in animals. In rats, it has been shown to aid in the repair of severed sciatic axons, helping with nerve damage recovery. It is industrially produced as a lubricating substance for various surfaces to reduce friction. PEG is also used in the preparation of vesicle transport systems in with application towards diagnostic procedures or drug delivery methods.