Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

Chemical Name : Polyethylene glycol
CAS No. : 25322-68-3
Synonyms : PEG, Poly(ethylene oxide), Macrogol, Carbowax, Polyglycol  

Chemical Properties

• Appearance : Colorless, odorless viscous liquid (low MW) to waxy solid (high MW)  

• Solubility : Highly soluble in water, ethanol, and polar solvents; insoluble in fats and hydrocarbons  

• Thermal Stability : Stable up to 200-240°C; degrades at 300°C  

• Hygroscopicity : Absorbs moisture, especially in low-MW forms  

Key Characteristics

• Non-toxic & Biocompatible : Widely used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics  

• Versatile Solubility : Acts as a solvent, thickener, and stabilizer  

• Low Immunogenicity : Reduces protein aggregation in drug formulations  

Applications

1. Pharmaceuticals :

   • Drug delivery (PEGylation improves drug solubility and half-life)  

   • Laxatives (PEG 4000/6000 as osmotic agents)  

   • Ointments, suppositories, and tablet coatings  

2. Cosmetics :

   • Moisturizer in creams, lotions, and shampoos  

   • Lubricant and viscosity modifier  

3. Industrial Uses :

   • Lubricants, plasticizers, and surfactants  

   • Oil drilling fluids and textile processing  

4. Biotechnology :

   • Cell fusion and DNA transformation in research  

   • Protein purification and cryoprotection